Overview

• Researchers found elevated rates of left- and mixed-handedness in individuals with early-onset disorders involving language impairments, such as dyslexia, autism, and schizophrenia.
• Mixed-handedness showed the strongest association with these conditions, with an odds ratio of 1.63 compared to 1.34 for left-handedness.
• The study emphasized that the earlier a disorder’s symptoms emerge, the stronger the correlation with atypical handedness, with no significant link found for later-onset conditions like depression.
• Handedness and language share common lateralized brain processes, suggesting overlapping neurodevelopmental mechanisms influencing both traits.
• Although handedness may serve as a non-invasive marker for atypical neurodevelopment, researchers caution it is not sufficient for standalone diagnostic use.