Over the years, palmar dermatoglyphics were mostly studied by scientists as a diagnostic tool for most genetic diseases while plantar dermatoglyphics received little or no attention when compared to the palm. The study aimed at determining the plantar dermatolgyphics of autistic
subjects in Nigeria. A total number of 200 subjects were recruited for the study. 100 autistic subject (82 males, 18 females) and 100 controls (65 males and 35 females) ranging between 5 to 35years. These subjects were selected from various special schools in Nigeria and from University of Port Harcourt Demonstration School. The dermatoglyphics patterns were determined using digital scanning method involving digital scanner (G3110 scanjet scanner with 4800×9600 dpi resolution). The data were analysed using chi-square test. The results revealed for both sexes, male and female, a significant difference between the patterns in zone II with proximal loop significantly higher in autistic subjects when compared to control subjects on the right foot (p<0.05). On the left foot of female autistic and control subjects, zones II and III showed significant difference with distal and proximal loops having higher percentage for autistic subjects when compared to control subject (p<0.05).The results showed that autistic subjects when compared to control subjects have higher percentages of whorls on zones I and III bilaterally though not statistically significant (p>0.05). In conclusion, plantar dermatoglyphics like palmar dermatoglyphics can aid diagnosis of autism and bring about early intervention of autistic patients in Nigeria.