handwriting with thumb hypermobility

[ItsProperlyColdOut]

Hi,

I wondered if anybody might know how to help a teen with hypermobile hands to improve his handwriting?

The joint at the base of the thumb is very hypermobile, and it means that he can't drive enough strength through it to maintain a pincer grip with the points of the thumb and forefinger.

Instead he has to grip the pen with the base of the thumb, and then the writing is inexact and a bit messy.

He does have the option to type in a lot of situations, but would like to be able to hand write well so as to not have this restriction to keyboard-only.

I wondered if anybody might have the same thumb and know what to do about it?

Thanks!

You can get large pen grips to accommodate for hypermobility but we were told for my eldest that once they get to about 10 they’ve already developed their grip style and it’s really hard to change it, improve the writing or ease the pain. They were told to use a computer at school but they wanted to improve their handwriting so spent a lot of time practicing. Still can’t write out an exam
paper but can do in class work without much pain and it’s mostly legible.

Ds is hypermobile, he uses a laptop for most things but if he does have to hand write anything, he uses a Stabilo Easy pen and pencil grips. He also uses Kura Care cutlery and loop scissors

I have the same issue, as a teen I started writing with the pen in between my second and third finger and the thumb just kind of leaning against it, not sure if that's a good description, but I still write like that now, miles more comfortable for me and I can control the pen better

I do the same as Paial - it's called the monk's grip or D'Nealian grasp, and it's very good for thumb hypermobility. I was shown by a hand therapist, and it transformed my comfort when writing by hand, even though I don't need it much now. I wish I'd known at school.

Blimey. I just googled the d'nealian grasp and the AI produced a hilarious image. Not correct but very funny.

I see the proper one too and it is good.

Have a look for a thumb brace or splint, some very comfy ones that should support his thumb and hand