AGE EXPECTATIONS
Palmar supinate grasp (1-2years)
Digital pronate grasp (2-3.5years)
Static tripod/quadrupod grasp (3.5-4.5years)
Dynamic tripod/quadrupod grasp (5-6years)
Note:
Static = movements initiate from larger joints of the arm (e.g. shoulder and elbow), fingers remain static, and hand moves as one unit
Dynamic = movements initiated from fingers and wrist
Hand dominance
Evident 3 years
Established 6 years
IMMATURE GRASP PATTERNS
FUNCTIONAL GRASPS
NONFUNCTIONAL GRASPS
IF DIFFICULTY WITH PENCIL GRASP SEESM TO BE DUE TO...
Core postural strength and stability try
Yoga
One-legged balances
Lying on stomach, resting on elbows
“Wobbly” stepping stone games (e.g. cushions, air discs)
Wrist stability try
Use of vertical surface (mirror, wall, window, etc.)
Sloped surfaces (slanted desks)
Hand strengthening try
Theraputty
Clothes pin activities
Squeeze/stress balls
Palmar arches try
Pull theraputty apart with finger tips
Place pegs, coins, etc. into playdough/putty
Use “Mr. Mouth” and manipulatives
Separation of two sides of hand try
Finger puppets
Spray bottles
Spinning tops
Shoulder and upper arm stability try
Animal walks
Crawling
Hanging
Working on vertical surface
Thumb opposition try
Use tweezers to pick up small items
Flick games → pom poms, cotton balls, scrunched up paper, etc.
Threading small beads
HELPFUL LINKS