Dwarfism Awareness Month

This month is Dwarfism Awareness Month. In 2009, Little People of America, launched Dwarfism Awareness Month for October. Little People of America, or LPA, is a non-profit dwarfism support organization. The program provides “support and information to people of short stature and their families.”

What is Dwarfism? According to LPA, “Dwarfism is a condition that affects bones and cartilage.” According to Mayo Clinic, people affected by Dwarfism have a height of 4 feet 10 inches, or less, as an adult.

According to LPA, there are about 30,000 people in the United States with dwarfism. In the world, there are about 651,700 people who are affected by Dwarfism. There are multiple types of dwarfism—around 400—and each type is different from the other.

Many people with dwarfism have parents or siblings who are of average height. It is possible for people with dwarfism to have children who are average height. Dwarfism is usually caused by a small genetic change. About 1 out of 10,000 children born are born with dwarfism.

According to Shoreline community college, many causes for dwarfism are unknown. Still, some reasons that are known are random genetic mutations, genetic disorders, deficiencies in some hormones, and poor nutrition.

Dwarfism Awareness Month is recognized worldwide, by governors and state legislatures. According to an article in The Mint Hill Times, Dwarfism Awareness Month raises awareness and educates people about dwarfism. The LPA hopes that Dwarfism Awareness Month creates positive awareness, and addresses misconceptions that many people have about those with dwarfism.