Dwarfism Awareness

Dwarfism is a restricted growth condition that is characterized by a short stature. Individuals with dwarfism do not normally grow more than 4 foot 10 inches tall. At times this is much shorter depending on medical condition. There are two main types of dwarfism. Proportionate dwarfism that is a general lack of growth and the length of trunk and limbs are in proportion. Disproportionate dwarfism is where the limbs are shorter or out of proportion with other parts of the body. Most that suffer from dwarfism may also have physical problems such as bowed legs or unusually curved spine. However, most do not have any serious problems and live  a normal life with normal life expectancy.

Disproportionate Dwarfism is where some parts of the body are small but others are of average size or above average size. These disorders can block the development of the bone.

Proportionate Dwarfism allows the body to be proportionately small. Medical problems present at birth or appear in early childhood limiting overall growth and development.

Many different medical disorder cause dwarfism or "short stature" as some prefer to be called. An average of 30,000 individuals live with dwarfism in the United States with more than 650,000 around the world. Most all of them don't let their short status keep them down as most times they can do what an average sized person can do.

Average sized parents can have child(ren) with a form of dwarfism. In fact around 80% of those with dwarfism are born to average sized parents. Most born with dwarfism will have some sort of health issue due to the bone growth disorder. Some health issues will be minor, other more severe and in fact some health issues that are dealt with are life threatening