I googled "double jointed thumb top joint" today (can't remember why), and on the first page of matches I saw a couple of mentions of aspergers syndrome (which I didn't expect). My thumb bends almost as far backwards as it does forwards at the top joint (the pics I found on the net were nowhere near as double jointed as my thumbs). The only person I know with the same type of double jointedness in his thumbs is my son.

My shoulders used to be hyperflexible (this is something I've heard mentioned a few times by aspies), but thanks to doing silly things like tearing the rotator cuff my shoulders are not very flexible at all any more. I used to be able to reach around the back of my head with my right arm, and come back around under my chin and touch the top of my right ear - most people cannot reach much past their chin. I could also reach both of my arms behind my head at the same time, and link my fingers together under my chin.

My neck is also hyperflexible - although slightly less so as I get older.

What I remember from hanging around on Gestalt, some years ago, was that there was a gene on the 21st chromosome that was related to flexibility and mobility (this was related to a list of genetic markers with a potential for autism).  There are other genes on that same chromosome that can be (aren't necessarily; or aren't the only ones necessary) involved in autism.  And so, without these things being related to each other per se, autistics and people with downsyndrome are more likely to be hypermobile, and people with downsyndrome are also more likely to be autistic or have autistic traits.  (although autistic and especially aspie with downsyndrome are less likely to get diagnosed, it's like saying "girl with autism" for some people).  

Of course, there are many other genes involved in both flexibility and autism on other chromosomes.  I tried looking through the whole list, it was daunting.  Also, my ADHD had me googling every chromosomal mutation on that list.

The neurologist made a connection between my son's joint laxity and his sensory issues, such as motion craving etc.,  Alot of people on the spectrum do have sensory issues.  This Dr. did not dx my son with AS, however, a psychiatrist who evaluated my son about a month later did dx my son with Aspergers.

Is that where your thumbs could be pushed over your palms sideways, making it look like your thumbs are shorter than they really are?  I mean pushing your thumbs foreword and folding up your hand, to where you could slip out of handcuffs ?

I could only reach to my chins, but it takes a bit of an effort to reach further than that. Could you reach every area of your whole backside as well ?

Dunno what that is, but my neck causes me head aches once in a while and starts to hurt when I sit up straight, without any support, after a while
The thing is, If I was handcuffed from behind, I could easily, in the back of a police car for example, move my handcuffed arms over my behind, over my legs, and have them in my front. I could also (At a certain body weight) slip my bony hands through handcuffs if I wanted to. Wild huh ?

MLB, I could never slip out of handcuffs. My hands are huge. I have almost as much trouble buying gloves as I do buying hats.

I could always reach behind my back and touch any part. Where most people struggled to touch their fingers together I could do a monkey grip. But I lost most of that flexibility through injuries to both shoulders.

As for thumbs, I am double jointed at the very top joint. The joint closest to the thumbnail. The thumb moves as far backwards at that joint as it does forward.

Is that where you could grab your both hands together, behind your back, like a trapeze artist griping another's wrist ? I could actually touch my fingers up to my elbows when my arms behind my back. I used to think that was normal for someone but wow I know this is going to sound childish, but I wonder what I could do with this weird ability.

Yes. That is what I meant by monkey grip.

But touching your elbows is way more flexible than anyone I've ever seen.

There probably are some impressive uses you could put that ability to.

Thanks 142857 Considering my size (Scrawny, five foot seven, 155 pounds or less) I'm a small little dude If it wasn't for facial hair (Goatee and little beard) and these age lines (not to mention my hairs starting to recede a bit :/) I'd be mistaken as a 16 or 17 year old lol  
I was thinking of taking up some sort of martial arts, one that I could put my flexibility to greater use Any suggestions ? lol

Flexibility is very important in martial arts. I've always had trouble with several drills because I have almost no hip flexibility, but I seem to do fine with anything that doesn't require that.

If you have any questions about getting into a martial arts class, ask me. I'd be happy to lend any advice that I can.

I was always told to take up the monkey style, something to do with my goofy personality I guess :/ What's the prerequisites getting into a martial arts class ? I mean would I need to already know the basics or be in good shape or something ? I understand if I'd had to wait till the new term start, cause I'd hate to be a beginner learning in an environment to where I'd feel like I'm slowing everyone down

Mostly, you just need to find a school that works for you. Call around to different ones in your area. Meet with the instructor if you like what it sounds like over the phone. Watch a class if they allow it. If they offer a free trial lesson, that's something to take advantage of. It's important to find an instructor that you can work with.

Some schools might have a program or two that require some experience. For the most part, though, instructors expect that new students aren't going to be able to keep up with everyone else. New students are often separated from the main class, so that they can go at a slower pace. Beginners rarely have the same level of endurance or coordination that more advanced students have, so don't worry about that.

As far as the style goes, it really depends on what you're looking for. Different styles will focus on different skills and have different levels of physical contact with others. Some examples: Karate tends to have very sharp and direct techniques; Taekwondo uses a lot of kicking and body movement; Judo is a form of wrestling, and involves a lot of close, physical contact; Aikido involves taking and redirecting your opponent's energy; Hapkido uses a lot of joint manipulation, among other things, and is more of a supplemental art; most of the Chinese styles (which I have very little experience with) have more circular, flowing movements. You can decide what you want as you see what they are.

One thing to pay attention to before you sign up anywhere is that most schools out there have membership contracts, so you'll be committing to a certain amount of time when you sign up. Make sure that's the school you want before you sign up in one of them.

Karate sounds just right for me; I have very fast muscles.  Which is lucky, since I am already enrolled in beginning karate.  I start tomorrow.  

D_olson, should I be worried about anything in particular, as a total beginner for martial arts?  My leg muscles have suffered due to a long lived, though temporary, injury and neither is as quick as it used to be.  Also, the muscles that control my foot are severely weakened and still have not recovered.

Don't expect to catch on right away. Most beginners have trouble with coordination on their first day. You probably won't remember everything you're told. That's fine. Chances are it'll all come up enough more times that it'll eventually become instinct.

Odds are pretty good you won't be doing much in the first class that will aggravate injuries, but, just in case, make sure your instructor is aware of it. Things will get hard and some of the stances will make you feel like your legs are going to fall off. That's normal. But, if something feels like it's actually doing damage, it might be a good idea to back off from it. Usually, you don't have to stop entirely. You can just modify it to where you're still getting the practice, but you can still recover from it.

Edit: Forgot the most important thing. The practice is for you. Just go in and enjoy it.

This post was last modified: 05-29-2012 07:59 AM by d_olson27.

Alright, thanks.  It's been over two years, I don't think I'll have much to worry about re: my injury, it's the low muscle tone and lost flexibility and speed that have been bothering me.  I appreciate your response, I imagine I will do well.

You'll do fine. Don't worry.