This is our story. I am a mom of four, ages 19, 17, 6, and 5. My two youngest are boys who are nonverbal with autism and sensory processing disorder (SPD). Before my boys, I don’t think I ever truly understood what Autism or SPD was or how many children and adults struggle with it every day.
CJ, my 5-year-old, is wild, loud, and energetic! Matty, my 6-year-old, is more reserved, enjoys routine, and prefers relaxation. But one thing they have in common is their sensory disorder. CJ bites his shirts and fingers when he’s nervous, anxious, or just trying to sit still. Matty bites his hand when he’s angry or overstimulated. Even though their symptoms are slightly different, chewies have worked wonders for both of them!
I first learned about chew necklaces through one of Matty’s therapists after trying many different sensory tools. The necklaces became a cute, safe, and discreet way to help redirect him from biting his hands. Later, I introduced the necklaces to CJ, and now they’re a stylish part of both of their everyday outfits! More importantly, the chewies help Matty calm down and help CJ focus.
At first, we had the standard chewies you see everywhere, like the Lego-style ones. But when I started discovering different shapes, sizes, and textures, my kids became excited about getting new ones. Seeing them show interest in choosing which one they wanted to wear was a huge moment for me! I hope to share that same excitement and relief with you and your loved ones.
Since then, we’ve expanded Chewylicious to include autism apparel—a fun and meaningful way to spread autism awareness and acceptance. These designs often spark great conversations and help bring more understanding to the autism community.
Matty has grown to love Chewylicious because it’s now part of his daily routine. After lots of practice, he personally sends out every package with love! And thanks to our incredible customers, we have been able to donate tablets to children with autism. We know how important these devices are because, for my boys, their tablets are their voice—they are how they communicate.
Thank you for being part of our journey and for helping us make a difference in the lives of nonverbal children and their families!