How can I help my child hold a pen properly?

[ChristmasSeacow]

Hi, I have a 4-yr old with ASD and hypermobility and a current obsession with letters! He has never really been interested in mark making before (he can't draw anything recognisable) but now he is trying to write. However, he gets very frustrated and upset when the letters don't go right!

He only has a fist grip and I don't think his writing will improve until he has a proper pen grip. I have tried chunkier pens and chunky pencils with a triangular profile but he still grips them in his fist. He doesn't really like to take advice /direction!

He is left handed and I am not, which isn't helping me to help him as I am rubbish with my left hand.

Any ideas /tricks?

Many thanks.

[Moonandstarsandback]

This is good putty... Mobility Choices Coloured Resistant Therapy Putty - Set of 4 x 57g (2oz) Tubs https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01DM478YQ/ref=cmswwrcppapi_y3uSybB1S0CQ6

[Moonandstarsandback]

My son is older than yours, he's 6.5 and still holds a pen in his fist. He canf form all his letters well with this grip and is even joining up his writing now. However mostly won't write! School and I have tried many types of pencils, grips, pens etc..... but school have just given him the twist and write pencil which he's been enjoying writing with....just bought one for home too now!
twist n write Twist N Write Ergonomic Single Pencil By Penagain https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001LDFAXC/ref=cmswwrcppapi_K4uSyb6AADY1T

[ChristmasSeacow]

Thanks Moon - though I can't quite understand how that pencil works (not a sentence I ever thought I'd write!) . Not too expensive though so probably worth a punt.

I will defo get that putty too. I've toyed with the idea before but just not taken the plunge.

DS has ASD and hypermobility, not EDS. apparently the hypermobility can be a challenge for writing.

I also think he is hyperlexic, hence the obsession with letters. He can read and spell far in excess of his age, which is why he is so frustrated about the writing! However, I need to make sure he spends time on his social skills too. That's not easy!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, I appreciate you taking the time.

[Moonandstarsandback]

Christmas, I couldn't work it out until it came in the post! I've learnt it does need refill lead though! You kind of put your finger through the gap into the dent and thumb wraps naturally around it! My son calls it his sling shot pencil! The putty is good. My son (also ASD) has sat through school plays with that putty!
My son gets very frustrated about his writing. I don't think it's comfortable for him to write and he can't write fast enough for his ideas I don't think. Plus he wants it to be perfect. So hard for them.

[ChristmasSeacow]

Oooooohhhhh!

Yes it is hard for them. Everything seems hard for my little DS at the moment - he's just becoming aware of his differences too

Thanks for the suggestion, i will order a pencil as it's worth a try!

[Moonandstarsandback]

If you zoom into the picture you can see someone holding it... PenAgain Twist N' Write Pencil, 2/Pack, Sold as One Pack https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004E2S1XI/ref=cmswwrcppapi_ubTTyb1EWXNRZ

[ChristmasSeacow]

Yes, I can just see that thanks.

I have had an epiphany too - I think DS is delayed in developing a dominant hand because he can't really 'cross the midline'. So I probably need some physio advice. We have an OT assessment tomorrow (brought forward because of EHCP assessment) so that might get things going.

Thanks so much again for the advice.

[Moonandstarsandback]

Had to look that up! That's really interesting. DS is left hand dominant but does some things with his right. (I'm similar!) like he'll write with his left, but on the iPad would draw and write with his right!

[QueenOfTheCatBastards]

Simple things that helped us were using fingers to write in sand or sugar on a tray, and doing lots of dough disco.

There's been some fab advice on here though.

Wishing you luck.