ARK Therapeutic

The information contained in this blog is offered in good faith and represents only the author's current understanding of best therapeutic practices. Please keep in mind that the content presented here is not all-inclusive, and should not be considered a substitute for an in-person evaluation and treatment by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, or another trained professional. Any ideas from this blog should be discussed with your child's treating professional(s) to ensure proper use.

Being able to chew food with one's lips closed so that food stays inside the mouth (and also for good table manners - I'm not concerned with table manners in feeding therapy, just getting the child to eat well, but post-therapy it could be a goal for the parents) To assist upper lip closure, place the upper portion of the Y-Chew just above the upper lip. This oral motor exercise is particularly helpful when you need to establish the concept of lip closure, as it helps the individual physically feel what it's like for the lips to close. For more oral motor lip exercises, check out these edible oral motor activities, these fun oral motor ideas, and/or these Z-Vibe exercises.