Let me set the scene for you:
Michael, my wonderful 12 year old son, is getting into the car after a day of school. ( I usually pick him up because his bus route is so LONG!)
He gets into the car, starts talking to me, grabs the water bottle that is sitting in the console, opens it, takes one or two sips and proceeds to chew the lid until it is no long round in shape but almost like a small, white, plastic taco.
And by chew, I mean really chew. This is not something new for him.
He is a “chewer.” He chews on the collar of his shirts, the lids of water bottles that squirt, the corner of blankets when he is watching TV and more.
I must say that our conversation each day in the car after school involves me saying “take the lid out of your mouth” at least twice. It would probably be more but we live only a mile from the school.
He has a basket of alternative items to chew to give him the input he is craving. I even put out gum but there isn’t really “one thing” he will grab to chew. Usually we will pry an item out of his hands and insert one of the alternatives, until this wonderful item was introduced to Michael…..and its name if CHEWIGEM.
This chewy pendant is shaped like a rain drop, is on a string necklace and is simply wonderful.
Trust me, we have purchased other items like this but I think what makes this so great is the consistency of the pendant. It is not rigid. It allows for Michael to use it without feeling discomfort, which is what he said about the other ones.
It also bends. Which means he can chew it flat or fold it and chew it for more input.
He woke up this morning, came into the kitchen for a hug, then went to the basket to get the CHEWIGEM and sat on the couch to watch some TV. He really, really likes it.
Michael is a typically developing child, who has a need for this kind of input. So I am so happy there are things out there for him. But I know that so many of our special needs children, especially those who have Sensory Processing Disorder(SPD),may crave this kind of input. I know these items would be a good fit for them.
Another nice thing is that the lanyard has a break away clasp on it so if your child chooses to use it as a necklace, to keep it with them, you can be sure that they will not be choked by the lanyard. You will have to keep in mind the age and development of your child to fully gauge the choking hazard of the pendant itself.
It is also safe to chew as it is BPA free and I cannot say the lids I talked about before are.
It is also fun to play with because of its texture and that it is so bendable. It can be used as a fidget too! With the holidays upon us and stress riding high, maybe not such a bad idea to get one to offer to your special needs child at this busy time. Or if you are like me, to your child who is currently chewing on a bottle lid.
In any event, take a peek at our site to read more and see if it is a fit for your world. I know ours is!!
I wish everyone a peaceful week.
Michele Gianetti author of “I Believe In You: A Mother and Daughter’s Special Journey” and “Emily’s Sister”
Special Needs Essentials Blog 