Dermatoglyphics: A Diagnostic Tool for Autism

Dermatoglyphics, a well-established method for personal identification over some decades can also be used in the diagnosis of varieties of genetic diseases. The aim of this research was to evaluate the dermatoglyphics of the palm of autistic subjects for diagnostic purpose. The study recruited 100 autistic subjects and 100 controls subjects selected from various special schools in Nigeria and University of Port Harcourt environs respectively. Data were analysed using chi square statistical tool. The traits evaluated include: hypothenar pattern and thenar pattern. The results revealed significant difference between the distribution of hypothenar pattern of both sexes, and of male subjects between autistic and control subjects (p<0.05) on both right and left palms. Autistic male subjects have significantly higher percentage frequencies of arches when compared to male controls, (89%Right, 68% left) autism, (95% R, 72% L) controls (p<0.05). The difference in the distribution of thenar pattern was significant between autistic and control subjects of both sexes on the right palm (p<0.05), and between male autistic and male controls on the right palm (p<0.05). In conclusion, the result revealed significant difference in the dermatoglyphic hypothenar and thenar patterns between autistic and control subjects. The study, therefore recommends dermatoglyphics as a tool in diagnosing autism in Nigeria.

Key Words: Hypothenar, Thenar, Dermatoglyphics, Autism, Nigeria