The beginning of our Story

When I first started this website, my intention was to share our autism journey and the chewelry that has worked for us. Chew necklaces have helped my children tremendously. I have two boys diagnosed with autism—both complete opposites—but one thing they both struggled with was biting on things.

Matty would bite his hand when he was mad and chew on his shirts when he was nervous, often leaving holes in them. CJ would bite his nails, cuticles, skin, and shirts as well. It wasn’t until I learned about Sensory Processing Disorder that things started to change. One of Matty's teachers introduced us to sensory chew necklaces, and after a lot of redirection, these necklaces became an everyday part of my boys' lives. Now, they love picking out which one to wear each day.

Seeing how much chewelry helped my boys, I wanted to share this with other families facing similar challenges. I posted a few pictures and a video, expecting to spread awareness and provide a helpful resource. However, I was met with unexpected negativity. Some comments, such as "kids aren't dogs" or "these should be investigated for spreading disease," took me by surprise. Others were so offensive they were eventually deleted.

I see a happy boy who no longer bites his fingers until they bleed, who is living life, smiling, and laughing. But those comments made me wonder—how does society really view children like mine? One day, my boys will navigate this world without me to protect them. That thought is what truly bothered me.

Having two boys on the spectrum, this was not my first encounter with rude people, but this time, it hit differently. If I let these comments stop me, how could I expect my kids to advocate for themselves? I want my boys to be proud of who they are, so I refuse to let ignorance dictate our story.

Some claim that chewelry is "horrible for his teeth," but do they think chewing on rocks or random objects is any better? Others worry about "spreading disease," as if my child wouldn't be mouthing unsafe objects otherwise. These misconceptions stem from a lack of education, acceptance, and understanding.

We recently expanded our website to include clothing with the hope of spreading autism awareness and acceptance through fashion. Every purchase contributes to providing iPads for nonverbal children, supporting their communication and learning. If you believe in acceptance and understanding, join our mission—follow our Facebook page, explore our website, and help make a difference!