How to Recognize Dwarfism

Dwarfism is not as unusual as some might believe. There are over 200 types of dwarfism, although the three most common are achondroplasia, diastrophic dysplasia and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED). About 1 in 80,000 children are born with one of these types of dwarfism, both to parents of normal stature (85 percent) and to parents with dwarfism.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize an adult with dwarfism by his height of no more than 4 feet 1 inch. This is due to a genetic mutation of one gene influencing the metabolism, bone structure, cartilage and connective tissues. There is extreme weakness in the bone structure affecting the growth process.

• 2

  Note the most common type of dwarfism is achondroplasia, which is characterized by short stature and a trunk of average size, along with short arms and legs. A person with this kind of dwarfism has a head larger in proportion to the rest of his body with a prominent forehead. Dwarves, or "tiny people" as they prefer to be called, are typically of normal intelligence.

• 3

  Notice the different characteristics in those with diastrophic dysplasia; they, too, have short arms and legs but also have other abnormalities in their structural formation. These include club feet, a cleft palate and "cauliflower ears." They have a tendency towards respiratory trouble because their chests are small.

• 4

  Differentiate between the dwarves with diastrophic dysplasia and those with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED). People with SED dwarfism (like those with diastrophic dysplasia) also suffer from problems with club feet, which creates the need for much orthopedic surgery, but they also have a barrel-chested appearance unlike those with other types of dwarfism.

• 5

  Look for signs of dwarfism in newborns. This is a fairly easy diagnose for a doctor to make based on the child's appearance, but it may be recognized later as the child fails to grow at the normal rate and by X-rays of the bones. The child may have some delayed motor skills, including late standing or walking and are more susceptible to ear infections and weight problems.

• 6

  Watch for other problems later in life such as scoliosis, inhibited joint flexibility, bowed legs and dental problems. Those with dwarfism may also suffer from arthritis early on in life, and back pain. They may need counseling to deal emotionally with this genetic problem but learn to live happy, productive lives.