There are hundreds of reasons why some children never reach expected heights as adults. Many are short in stature because of family or ethnic backgrounds. Others have a wide range of medical conditions, which are often at times genetic, that limit overall growth in all or just specific parts of the body, such as the limbs or the torso. One of the medical conditions is Acondroplasia, the most common bone or skeletal disorder.

What is Acondroplasia? Acondroplasia, or Dwarfism, is a genetic disorder of bone growth that is evident at birth. It affects about one in every 20,000 births and it occurs in all races and in both male and female genders. It is estimated that there are about 10,000 individuals with this disorder in the United States.

When a person has Acondroplasia, abnormal cartilage at the growth plates of the bones in the body causes their short stature. Men with this disorder are usually less than 52 inches tall and women are somewhat shorter.

Acondroplasia is caused by an abnormal gene, or in other words, mutation, that

suffering from Acondroplasia, surgery is needed on some to treat spinal cord compression, but surgery carries the risks of bleeding and infection, which can be dangerous in many cases and can lead to early death.

In conclusion, it is important for people with Acondroplasia to recognize that a wide range of choices and or jobs does exist for them and that their condition does not have to prevent them from leading a full and satisfying life. "THINK BIG ENCOURAGEMENT" (motto of the Little People of America).

There are two major organizations that are concerned with the needs of individuals with growth problems and their families. The Human Growth Foundation (HGF) and the Little People of America (LPA). Both groups serve as sources of information, counseling, and support, and offer opportunities for parents to meet others facing similar challenges, such as having a child with Acondroplasia disorder. Each organization has close contact with medical assistance to help individuals in need.

Some of the signs and symptoms of Acondroplasia is that the individual has a large head with

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