Achondroplasia (ā-kŏn'drō-plā'zhə) is the most common form of dwarfism occurring in 1 in 26,000 births and is characterized by short stature. It is a bone growth disorder affecting the long bone growth in the arms and leg. Achondroplastic dwarfs tend to have shorter limbs, a larger head and average sized “trunks” or torsos. Achondroplasia accounts for about 70% of cases, but there are over 200 diagnosed types of dwarfism.
Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder that was determined at conception. It is not a recessive gene which means that neither Dan nor I carry it. Owen however, does carry the gene and has a chance of passing it on to his children. If he marries a woman with the same condition, he has a 50% chance of having an baby with achondroplasia, a 25% chance of having and average height (AH) baby, and a 25% chance of having a child that will inherit the gene from both parents, and will most likely die. About 80% of people with achondroplasia have average height parents.
Medical issues can range from mild to severe. Achondroplastic dwarfs have a narrowing of the foramen magnum, the opening that allows fluid to drain from the head to the spine. If the opening is too small, it could lead to build up of fluid or hydrocephalus. Kyphosis, or rounding of the back, is another common problem especially in children. Often though, kyphosis is corrected as a child begins to strengthen muscle tone. We will have to watch for bowed legs and joint problems. In severe cases, if left untreated, spinal complications could lead to paralysis. Generally however, life expectancy and intelligence are normal and dwarfs can lead full, healthy lives. The average height of people with achondroplasia is 4 feet but will vary just as average height people vary.
Many individuals with dwarfism choose to join an organization called
Little People of America. LPA is a non-profit that offers support to individuals with dwarfism and their families. There are local and regional meetings and every year hold a National Convention where people from across the country come to hang out, see friends, and take part in medical and informative workshops. This year’s National Convention is being held in Detroit, Michigan June 20th – 27th.
The term “midget” was at one time used to describe proportional dwarfism. Today, however, the word is considered offensive and should not be used to describe a person with dwarfism. Little person, LP or dwarf are acceptable terms but the best thing is to call someone by their name.
*Much of this information came from the LPA Website
Welcome all new readers from the Flint Journal! It will be strange to have other readers besides my mother but I'm looking forward to it! 
Through the past year we have experienced a lot of curiosity about dwarfism and expect even more as Owen gets older. Dan and I are have no problems answering any questions that may come about. We are happy that people want to understand. We know that there will be stares and comments in the future and have mixed feelings. On one hand we would like to believe that those ridiculous comments come from ignorance. People just don't know. On the other hand, no one ever wants their child to suffer. It will be hard to stay calm toward people who aim to hurt your child. As of right now however, how we will react is all theoretical. Our family and friends have been nothing but supportive. In fact, I dare say Owen has been an inspiration to a few people.
Feel free to poke around my blog. I have met several wonderful families who are going through the same experience. You will find them in "Owen's friends and other blogs". If you would like to email Dan or I, our addresses are at the bottom right. Our point for the blog and the article was to take away some of the mystery of dwarfism. I hope when you meet Owen or another little person, it will be easier to see the person and not his stature.
Thank you to everyone for your concern for Owen! I am happy to report he is feeling much better. He's still not 100% on the Owen Personality Meter (more like 74 to 76%) but he's closer to get back to his old self.
The nebulizer treatments definitely helped and we were able to keep him out of the hospital. Hallelujah! I was a little worried about the prospect of having to take him to the hospital. We have already had 2 ER trips since October. At what point does Social Services start to worry!?
Despite how much the treatments are helping, they are not Owen's favorite activity. You can see how miserable he is. It really gets his heart going. It's a little frighting to feeling your childs heart pumping so fast but it is a side effect of the medicine.
I'm back to work ~sigh~ and he's well enough to go back to day care so life is back to normal (did I just use that term?).
If there was an upside to Owen being sick, it was that his was so cuddly! All he wanted to do was lay on Dan and I which rarely happens any more. See? There's always a silver lining!
