The Underestimated Topography of the Fingertip: Finding a Link Towards a Disrupted Neurodevelopment in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study investigates the distribution of fingerprint minutiae types in boys with autism spectrum disorder (N = 48, aged between 2.75 and 12.92 years; SD = 2.56) compared to neurotypical boys (N = 46, aged between 2.75 and 12.33 years; SD = 2.88), with the aim of gaining insights into atypical developmental processes. The analysis focused on differences in the total number and types of minutiae across two areas of the fingerprint. To ensure comparability between fingerprints of different sizes, the analyzed area was standardized using fixed ridge-count boundaries (6th and 12th papillary ridges from the pattern center). Minutiae types were extracted manually from dactyloscopic cards under high resolution. Results showed no significant difference in the total number of minutiae across all fingers; however, notable differences were observed on the fourth finger (p = 0.00157) and in specific minutiae types. Boys with ASD showed a higher incidence of types like fragments, dots, and breaks in the central area (p < 0.00001), while neurotypical boys exhibited more enclosures. These findings suggest that the distribution and types of fingerprint minutiae could be potential markers for neurodevelopmental differences, as they indicate a disruption in the normal developmental pathways. Many studies support the idea that there's a link between fingerprint patterns and how the brain develops, especially when something goes wrong during that process. This connection exists because fingerprints and some central parts of the brain form at the same time during early development, and they both come from the same type of early tissue. Because of this, fingerprints can give us clues about possible changes or problems in brain development. They can also be helpful for identifying certain genetic conditions or birth defects. This study looked at the tiny details found in fingerprints, called minutiae, in autistic boys compared to boys who are developing typically. Fingerprint minutiae are small features like dots, breaks, or lines that form before birth and stay the same for life. Because they are shaped early in development, studying them may help us learn more about how development in autism might differ. These results suggest that fingerprint patterns could reflect subtle differences in how the body and brain develop in autism. In the future, fingerprint analysis might help scientists understand early developmental differences linked to autism spectrum disorder.