Dermatoglyphic Patterns of Children with Special Educational Needs

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed at finding the finger and palmar dermatoglyphic patterns of students in special school and to discover whether significant dermatoglyphic features exist in students in special school. Materials and methods: Finger and palm prints were taken from 100 students from Garden City Special School which served as the study group and 100 students from “In Him is Life School” which served as the control group. Analysis of quantitative and qualitative traits of dermatoglyphs (Total Finger Ridge Count, atd angle, pattern type, symmetry of palmprint and type of PIC) were performed. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the differences among the groups. Results: Central pocket loop whorl (CPLW) which is an indicator in people with better academic performance was significantly lower (P<0.0001) in individuals in the special school (SS). The atd angle was significantly higher (P<0.0001) in both hands in SS than in CG. The current study revealed that the prevalence of symmetrical PIC was significantly lower (P=0.012) in the SS (39%) compared to CG (67%). Conclusion: Students in special school have unique dermatoglyphic pattern. There were significant differences in certain types of dermatoglyphic pattern observed in students in special school compared to students in normal school. Further study is required to have a baseline data which can serve as a diagnostic tool for early detection of people who need special attention. KEY WORDS: Dermatoglyphics, Patterns, Special, Educational, Needs.