SEN teachers 'should keep an eye on ambidextrous children'

Schoolchildren who are ambidextrous are likely to need extra support at school, a new study has revealed, in news which may be of interest to Special Needs teachers.

According to researchers from the School of Public Health, Imperial College London, eight-year-olds pupils who can write with both hands are twice as likely to struggle academically as their left or right-handed counterparts.

Dr Alina Rodriguez, lead researcher for the study, told the Times: "Our study suggests that handedness is really a marker for atypical foetal brain development, showing that the brain is working in a different way to the norm.

"It suggests how this relates to behavioural problems, how it can be a risk factor."

The research team has claimed the results of the study, which were arrived at following analysis of data from approximately 8,000 children, could be used to inform SEN teacher roles in the future.

Imperial College's School of Public Health includes a department devoted to the study of primary care and public health, as well as a specialised clinical trials unit.



Published On 26/01/2010