Study finds surprising new link between lefties, autism and schizophrenia

New York Post - May 7th, 2025

A new meta-analysis published in Psychological Bulletin reveals a significant correlation between left-handedness or ambidexterity and early-onset disorders characterized by language impairments, such as autism, schizophrenia, and dyslexia. Conducted by Dr. Julian Packheiser and his team at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, the study underscores that this association is particularly strong in disorders manifesting early in life, unlike conditions like depression that develop later and do not show this link. This research sheds light on the previously unclear reasons behind the disproportionate occurrence of these disorders among left-handed or ambidextrous individuals.

Historically, left-handedness has been stigmatized, with societal biases labeling it as unusual or even sinister, as reflected in its Latin root. This bias persisted into the 20th century, with children often forced to use their right hand. In many cultures, using the left hand for tasks is still frowned upon. Despite this, modern science presents a more nuanced view; while left-handedness is linked to certain psychotic disorders, it is also associated with enhanced creativity and spatial reasoning, as well as advantages in sports. Notably, famous left-handed individuals include Barack Obama, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Oprah Winfrey.

Schizophrenia Autism Psychological Bulletin Left Handedness Language Disorders Dr. Julian Packheiser Ruhr University Bochum Cultural Bias

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides an informative overview of the association between left-handedness and mental health disorders, highlighting both historical biases and modern scientific findings. It accurately presents the study's main conclusions but lacks detailed methodological information, which affects transparency. The article is balanced in its portrayal of the topic, discussing both advantages and disadvantages of left-handedness, though it could benefit from a wider range of sources for greater depth. While the topic is of public interest and relevance, the article could enhance its impact by offering concrete recommendations or exploring controversies more deeply. Overall, it is a well-written piece that effectively communicates its message to a general audience, but there is room for improvement in sourcing, transparency, and engagement.

Accuracy

The article presents a generally accurate depiction of the study's findings. It correctly states that approximately 10% of the global population is left-handed and discusses the historical biases against left-handed individuals. The article accurately reports the study's findings that individuals with early-onset disorders like autism and dyslexia are more likely to be left-handed or ambidextrous. However, it lacks specific details about the study's methodology, such as the sample size or the statistical significance of the findings. The claim that left-handedness is linked to enhanced creativity and spatial reasoning is mentioned without specific studies cited, which could benefit from additional sourcing to verify these assertions.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by discussing both the negative and positive aspects associated with left-handedness. It highlights the societal biases and historical prejudices against left-handed individuals while also acknowledging the potential advantages in creativity and certain sports. However, it could improve by including perspectives from individuals who are left-handed or experts in psychology and neuroscience to provide a more comprehensive view of the topic. The article does not appear to favor any particular viewpoint but could benefit from a broader range of sources to ensure a more balanced discussion.

Clarity

The article is written in a clear and accessible manner, making it easy for readers to understand the main points. It uses straightforward language and provides historical context to help explain the societal biases against left-handed individuals. The structure is logical, with a progression from historical context to modern scientific findings. However, the article could benefit from clearer explanations of complex scientific concepts, such as the neurological basis of handedness and its association with language disorders. Overall, the article effectively communicates its message but could enhance clarity with more detailed explanations.

Source quality

The article references a study published in the journal *Psychological Bulletin*, which is a reputable source. However, it does not provide direct citations or links to the study, which would enhance credibility. The inclusion of quotes from Dr. Julian Packheiser adds authority to the piece, but the lack of additional expert opinions or references to other studies limits the depth of the source quality. Providing more diverse sources, such as interviews with other researchers or references to supporting studies, would strengthen the article's reliability.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding the study's methodology and the broader context of the findings. It does not explain how the study was conducted, the size and demographics of the sample, or the statistical methods used. This lack of detail makes it difficult for readers to fully understand the basis of the claims made. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the study's conclusions. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the article's credibility and help readers assess the validity of the claims.