Left-handed people could be at higher risk for some neurological disorders: study

Fox News - May 10th, 2025
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A new study published in the journal Psychological Bulletin reveals that individuals with autism are 3.5 times more likely to be left-handed compared to the general population. The research, conducted by an international team, analyzed data from over 200,000 individuals and also found links between atypical handedness and other conditions like schizophrenia and intellectual disabilities. Dr. Julian Packheiser, the lead author, emphasized that the findings are correlational and do not imply causation, noting potential limitations in the study.

The study's implications extend to understanding neurodevelopmental disorders and how they may relate to handedness. Experts highlight the importance of considering these findings in the context of broader neurological traits, while stressing that handedness should not be viewed as an indicator of mental health issues. The research also suggests the need for further exploration into how early-life factors influence brain development and the onset of neurological conditions.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded examination of a study linking handedness with neurological disorders, offering insights into a complex and intriguing area of research. It accurately reports the study's findings while emphasizing the distinction between correlation and causation, supported by credible expert opinions. The story is timely and of significant public interest, addressing health and neurodevelopmental concerns. However, it could benefit from more diverse viewpoints and greater methodological transparency. Overall, the article is engaging and informative, successfully balancing scientific detail with accessibility for a general audience.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the findings of a study linking handedness with neurological disorders, citing specific statistics such as the prevalence of left-handedness and its association with autism. The claim that left-handed people are 3.5 times more likely to have autism is consistent with the study's data. The article clearly distinguishes correlation from causation, a critical point that aligns with expert commentary in the text. However, some claims, like the exact mechanisms behind the association, are speculative and not fully supported by causal evidence, as acknowledged by experts.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from various experts, such as Dr. Julian Packheiser and Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, who provide insights into the study's findings and limitations. It also includes cautionary remarks from Jonathan Alpert, emphasizing the need for more research and the risks of drawing hasty conclusions. However, the article could have benefited from more diverse viewpoints, particularly from critics or researchers not involved in the study, to provide a broader range of opinions.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making complex scientific findings accessible to a general audience. It effectively explains terms like 'mixed-handedness' and differentiates it from ambidexterity, aiding comprehension. The logical flow from study findings to expert opinions and potential implications is maintained throughout. However, some sections could be more concise, and the inclusion of technical terms without immediate explanation may challenge some readers.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including researchers directly involved in the study and independent experts who provide context and critique. The primary study is published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, a reputable source. Expert opinions from institutions like Ruhr University Bochum and West Tennessee Medical Group add authority. However, the article could improve by citing the study directly or providing access to the full research for readers seeking deeper insights.

7
Transparency

The article is relatively transparent, explaining key findings and limitations of the study. It clarifies that the results are correlational and not causal, which is essential for understanding the research's scope. The article mentions the sample size and publication source, which aids transparency. However, it lacks detailed information on the study's methodology and potential conflicts of interest, which could enhance understanding of the research's reliability.

Sources

  1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121757.htm
  2. https://news.rub.de/english/press-releases/2025-05-05-psychology-how-handedness-linked-neurological-disorders
  3. https://studyfinds.org/left-handed-mental-neurological-disorders/
  4. https://www.foxnews.com/health/left-handed-people-could-higher-risk-neurological-disorders-study
  5. https://bioengineer.org/exploring-the-connection-between-handedness-and-neurological-disorders/