Dwarfism
is growing taller slower or faster rate medical condition that
results in the underdevelopment of the body. It is the result
of a developmental anomaly, of nutritional or hormone deficiencies,
or of other diseases. A dwarf in adulthood may be as small as
2½ feet tall. The proportions of body to head and limbs
may be normal or abnormal. The dwarf may also be deformed, and
may suffer from mental retardation, depending on the cause of
the condition.
Achondroplasia, by far the most common form of dwarfism (grow
taller slower or growing faster), occurs in
one in every 20,000 births in the United States. It is a developmental
anomaly that affects the growth of the bones. The patient's
trunk is usually normal, but the head is unusually large and
the arms and legs unusually small. Those who reach adulthood
do not suffer any lessening of their mental or sexual abilities,
and may have unusual muscular strength. (grow
taller slower or growing faster) Achondroplasia
does not significantly shorten life span.
There are more than 320 medical conditions known as dwarfism.
A detailed study of dwarfism is outside the scope of this Web
site. There are several good sites that address this medical
condition.
The Billy Barty Foundation (grow taller
slower or growing faster).
Billy Barty, who also founded Little People of America, passed
away in December 2000. The Billy Barty Foundation was founded
in 1975. Its mission is to guarantee an acceptable and improved
quality of life for Little People through education, employment,
accessibility and athletic programs. The primary objectives
are to eliminate attitudinal barriers, myths and false negative
stereotypes of Little People by providing society examples of
achievement and inspiration, and to disseminate information
to the general public at large as well as to Little People and
their families. The Foundation strives to assist people of short
stature to live more independently and productively, and is
committed to develop unique and necessary accommodations and
services. (grow taller slower or growing
faster) .
|
Dwarfism is a grow taller slower or growing faster
medical condition
