What’s Wrong With Ambidexterity? Simple Facts to Know About Being Ambidextrous

If you've encountered the term "both-handed," you're familiar with ambidexterity. This trait is often associated with the ability to use both hands equally well for tasks like writing, throwing, or playing an instrument. Despite the allure of being able to use both hands with equal skill, only about 1% of the global population is genuinely ambidextrous. So why does it seem like there are so many “both-handed” people?

In reality, a child or person claiming to be ambidextrous may actually be experiencing a developmental issue.

Understanding Ambidexterity

Our brains are designed for efficiency, typically favoring one side for certain tasks. Specializing in one hand helps streamline actions and conserve mental and physical energy. By age five, most children have chosen a dominant hand. If this preference isn’t established by then, it might indicate a developmental delay or issue.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ambidexterity was seen as a potential tool for societal improvement. The belief was that ambidextrous individuals could bring about a more advanced society. However, this notion lost traction by the mid-20th century, as there was no evidence to support that being ambidextrous significantly impacted societal progress.

Although the idea of being "both-handed" might seem appealing, research suggests that true ambidextrous individuals might actually struggle with coordination. Consequently, those who are genuinely ambidextrous are sometimes advised to seek guidance from occupational therapists or learning specialists.

The Ambidextrous Brain

Ambidexterity is not only a matter of hands but also affects brain structure. Ambidextrous people have brains with symmetrical left and right hemispheres. In contrast, right-handed and left-handed individuals typically have asymmetrical brains, with one hemisphere being more dominant.

IQ and Creativity

Some prominent figures and artists are known to be ambidextrous. However, research suggests that ambidextrous individuals might face challenges in areas such as math, logical reasoning, and language compared to those with a dominant hand. Nonetheless, they often excel in fields like arts, music, and sports.

Professor Michael Corballis, a cognitive neuroscience expert, has explored why ambidextrous people might have different cognitive abilities. His studies from the UK, US, and Sweden suggest that ambidextrous individuals, especially those naturally so from birth, may experience more academic and developmental difficulties. Corballis theorizes that the lack of specialization between the brain's hemispheres can lead to competition rather than cooperation, potentially impacting coordination and reasoning.

Mental and Developmental Disorders

The unique brain coordination in ambidextrous individuals can influence mental and developmental health. While some research suggests left-handed and ambidextrous people might be more prone to certain disorders like ADHD or schizophrenia, findings are not definitive. Ambidextrous individuals may also have a higher likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to those who are less ambidextrous. In many cases, what appears as ambidexterity might actually be a sign of general coordination issues, such as dyspraxia.

Conclusion

Research indicates that ambidextrous individuals might face more challenges, but it’s important to note that not everyone will experience these issues. Occupational therapy can be beneficial for those dealing with coordination difficulties. Given that true ambidexterity is extremely rare, many who claim to be "both-handed" may simply have general coordination problems. Thus, it's worth considering that such claims could indicate underlying issues.

I hope this overview provides clarity on the complexities of ambidexterity!