Dwarfism

Dwarfism ( /ˈdwɔrfɪzəm/) occurs when an individual person or animal is short in stature resulting from a medical condition caused by abnormal (slow or delayed) growth. In humans, dwarfism is sometimes defined as an adult height of less than 147 cm (58 inches),.

Dwarfism can be caused by about 200 distinct medical conditions, such that the symptoms and characteristics of individuals with dwarfism vary greatly. Disproportionate dwarfism is characterized by one or more body parts being relatively large or small in comparison to those of an average-sized adult, with growth variations in specific areas being apparent. In cases of proportionate dwarfism, the body appears normally proportioned, but is unusually small.

There is no single treatment for dwarfism. Individual differences, such as bone-growth disorders, sometimes can be treated through surgery, some hormone disorders can be treated through medication, and by hormone replacement therapy; this treatment must be done before the child’s' growth plates fuse. Individual accommodations, such as specialized furniture, are often used by people with dwarfism. Many support groups provide services to aid individuals with dwarfism in facing the challenges of an ableist society.

For people, in addition to the medical aspect of the condition, there are social and sociological aspects as well. In the United States, Canada and New Zealand, many people with dwarfism prefer to be called little people.

Historically, the term midget was used to describe "proportionate dwarfs"; however, this term is now often regarded as offensive and pejorative (see terminology) in people. Hypotonia, or low muscle tone, is common in dwarfs, but intelligence and lifespan are usually normal. Defining 'dwarfism by height alone is problematic because short stature in itself is not a disorder. For example, in pygmy populations, a body height of less than 150 cm (59 inches) is normal.

Dwarfism is a highly visible condition and often carries negative connotations in society. Because of their unusual height, people with dwarfism often work as spectacles in entertainment and are often portrayed with stereotypes. For a person with dwarfism, heightism can lead to ridicule in childhood and discrimination in adulthood.