Left/Right confusion: Part one — the general problem

Abstract A survey of health care patients and practitioners indicates that left/right confusion can occur for an estimated 42% of adults. A review of a range of day to day occupations and activities has revealed examples of adult behaviour in which left/ right confusion occurs or that have been specifically modified to help avoid counterproductive left/right confusion. These findings confirm results from a previous study indicating that many people do not overcome the left/right confusion that is common on entering school. The conclusion is drawn that teachers and parents can help reduce left/right confusion in children, by emphasising the teaching of a skill that is valuable from the beginning of school as well as throughout life beyond school.