Children’s way with a dolly could be hint of social disorder

 Children who cradle dolls on their right side are more likely to develop social problems, a study has found.

Scientists said the results of the Birkbeck study suggested preferences for cradling could help indicate some social developmental disorders. It builds on the phenomenon of “leftcradling bias” – where humans will typically cradle a baby on their left side.

Children were observed as to whether they held a doll more often in a leftcradling position. Those with this bias had a significantly higher social ability score compared with those holding it on the right.

The traits tested included likeliness to follow rules, willingness to share and wanting to please teachers.

The study was published in the journal Cortex.