Chew necklaces—also known as “chewelry”—might look like simple silicone pendants, but they’re grounded in powerful neuroscience. Designed for children and adults with sensory processing needs, autism, ADHD, or anxiety, these wearable tools offer more than just a safe outlet for chewing—they deliver essential sensory input that helps regulate the brain and body.
But how does something as basic as chewing on a necklace calm a child or help someone focus? In this post, we break down the science behind chew necklaces and why they’re such an effective tool for sensory support.
Understanding Sensory Processing
Our brains constantly take in information from our senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, balance, and body awareness (known as proprioception). For most people, the brain processes and organizes this information automatically.
But for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), autism, or ADHD, this system can be overwhelmed or misfired. This can lead to:
- Feeling overstimulated or under-stimulated
- Difficulty focusing or calming down
- Strong urges to seek or avoid certain sensations
That’s where oral sensory input—like chewing—comes in. It’s one of the most powerful, regulating sensory experiences available.
Why Chewing Helps the Brain
Chewing isn’t just for eating—it plays a unique role in calming and organizing the nervous system. Here’s what happens physiologically:
🧠 1. Activates Proprioception
Chewing provides deep pressure input to the jaw, a major proprioceptive action. Proprioceptive input helps the brain know where the body is in space and promotes a sense of groundedness.
😌 2. Triggers a Calming Response
Studies show that chewing can reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. This is why people instinctively chew on pencils, bite nails, or clench their jaw when anxious—it’s a self-soothing behavior.
🎯 3. Improves Focus and Attention
Chewing has been shown to increase alertness and cognitive performance, especially during stressful or mentally demanding tasks. It’s particularly helpful for individuals with ADHD who benefit from having a subtle outlet to self-regulate without disrupting others.
How Chew Necklaces Support Sensory Needs
Chew necklaces channel this calming, organising chewing behaviour into a safe, hygienic, and socially acceptable form. Here’s why they work:
- ✅ Safe Oral Input: Made from food-grade silicone, they give kids and adults a chew-safe alternative to clothes, fingers, pens, or unsafe objects.
- ✅ Always Accessible: Worn around the neck, chewelry is readily available in moments of stress, sensory overload, or emotional dysregulation.
- ✅ Customizable Texture: Available in a range of firmness levels, from soft to extra-tough, to suit different chewing preferences.
- ✅ Supports Emotional Regulation: Helps prevent meltdowns, anxiety spikes, or impulsive behaviors by giving the nervous system the input it craves.
Who Can Benefit?
Chew necklaces are particularly effective for:
- Children with autism or ADHD
- Individuals with sensory processing challenges
- Kids and teens with anxiety or oral motor needs
- Adults who fidget or bite nails under stress
- Anyone needing a discreet, calming outlet throughout the day
Final Thoughts: Small Tool, Big Impact
The beauty of chew necklaces lies in their simplicity and science-backed effectiveness. By offering the right kind of sensory input at the right time, they support calm, focus, and confidence in both children and adults.
Whether you’re a parent looking for support for your child, a teacher searching for classroom tools, or an adult seeking ways to stay grounded at work—chewelry might be exactly what your nervous system needs.
Find the Right Chew Necklace for You
Explore our collection of safe, stylish, and sensory-friendly chew necklaces at www.chewnecklace.co.uk. Thoughtfully designed for every need—because sometimes, calm really does start with a chew.