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

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