ARK Right Bite

The ARK Right Bite is a feeding therapy tool that presents a set, manageable amount of food to bite. It was invented by speech and language pathologist Jaci Dale, MS, CCC-SLP, and developed by ARK Therapeutic. It is designed for children, young people and adults who are learning to take appropriate bite sizes, including those who tend to overfill their mouths. ARK recommends it for individuals of all ages.

How it helps

Food such as a biscuit, cracker or cucumber slice is slid into the larger opening until it sticks out of the smaller semi-circle opening. The amount showing can be adjusted to suit the person's skill level and mouth size. The adult applies gentle pressure to the marked areas to hold the food in place, then offers the small opening with the prompt to "take a bite". Because only part of the food is available at a time, the Right Bite encourages suitable bite sizes, helps prevent mouth stuffing and paces eating so there is time to chew. It also means the adult's fingers stay clear of the person's teeth.

For schools

• Supports feeding goals set by a speech and language therapist at snack and lunchtimes.
• Helps staff offer consistent bite sizes for pupils who overfill their mouths.
• Can be used with foods of different thicknesses to practise jaw grading and control.
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning in a school kitchen.

For parents and home use

• Makes bite-size practice part of everyday snacks.
• Lets you adjust how much food is offered as skills develop.
• Keeps your fingers away from your child's teeth during practice.
• A smaller, set bite may feel less overwhelming than a large piece of food.

Supporting SEND and learning differences

Many children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities need extra support to learn how much food to take and how to pace eating. A clear, repeatable routine with the Right Bite can help build these skills at school and at home.

Why pacing and bite size matter

Taking a manageable bite gives time to chew properly before the next mouthful. Offering a prescribed amount helps people learn what a suitable bite feels like, and ARK notes that a smaller bite may also reduce visual sensory concerns some people have about large pieces of food.

If you need help deciding whether the Right Bite suits a learner, our team will gladly advise.