Any occupational therapists around? Quick question please

[DoYouWantMeToBeTheCat]

My son, aged 11, has small weak hypermobile fingers, it’s like watching a spider try and grip something

My concern is public locks - he’s been stuck in a restaurant bathroom before (had to call reception), I’ve had to leave him unlocked in a caravan because I was afraid he wouldn’t be able to open the door in an emergency. Mostly we advise him not to lock doors but we’re getting to the stage that it’s age appropriate to do so.

we’ve obviously been working on hand strength etc but I think he is just like this.

are there any aids etc he can have or does he take a can of wd40 everywhere to loosen locks? advice would be appreciated

Hopeful evening bump

Useless afternoon bump!

Ooo gosh that is tricky. My DS is hypermobile, though I think not to the same extent as yours, but it means he is unable to open the front door on his own - and therefore limiting his independence in coming home from school on his own.
I can't recommend anything personally (although I might try getting a key grip for him - so thank you, because I'd never thought about it until searching having read your post!), but I've just found this, which might work?
Uni Universal Turner from Essential Aids

I think there won't be one single thing that will solve all his challenges, but https://www.activehands.com/shop/ are a fab resource for all kinds of aids. The Easyhold straps might work well at home or on holiday where there is someone to put them on for him, and their key wing things are great. Randomly, something that might work out and about is some pipe lagging on a short plastic tube. That can be put over all kinds of door fasteners to use as a lever or a grip aid.
Active Hands are super helpful if you message them - they advised me on using their canoe paddle aid on my mountain bike handle bar which has been perfect, and I use lots of other things from them

Thank you so much - appreciate the time and will have a look at the options

OP, have a look at Ovel 8 splints for his fingers. They should give stability to his finger joints.
I think they sell them on Amazon.

If not, ask his GP or rheumatologist for a referral to a hand clinic, they may have some ideas for him.

Did not know they existed thank you! He’s not under the care of a rheumatologist as he doesn’t complain of pain at all, but this sounds like a good idea for support.