Hypochondroplasia kid: "How old is he?"

What is hypochondroplasia?

Hypochondroplasia is a form of short-limbed dwarfism. This condition affects the conversion of cartilage into bone (a process called ossification), particularly in the long bones of the arms and legs. Hypochondroplasia is similar to another skeletal disorder called achondroplasia, but the features tend to be milder.

All people with hypochondroplasia have short stature. The adult height for men with this condition ranges from 138 centimeters to 165 centimeters (4 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 5 inches). The height range for adult women is 128 centimeters to 151 centimeters (4 feet, 2 inches to 4 feet, 11 inches).

People with hypochondroplasia have short arms and legs and broad, short hands and feet. Other characteristic features include a large head, limited range of motion at the elbows, a sway of the lower back (lordosis), and bowed legs. These signs are generally less pronounced than those seen with achondroplasia and may not be noticeable until early or middle childhood. Some studies have reported that a small percentage of people with hypochondroplasia have mild to moderate intellectual disability or learning problems, but other studies have produced conflicting results.

Monday, May 30, 2011

"How old is he?"

I went to the neighborhood pool this afternoon and as were walking in I hear teenage girls giggling and one says "he is so cute, he'll be a hottie when he' older." I didn't even have to turn to know who they were talking about. He is the cutest thing I must admit. They continued to smile at him and talk about how he was walking, and he talked so good for his age. Did they know his age? NO, but it was sweet and innocent. He can swim on his own, and does very well for his size and muscle tone and I saw at one point all the adults staring at us watching this "baby" swimming and I knew it was coming. "The how old is he question". I hate that we will always have that question. Weather it is soccer, a field trip, doggy paddling or at the grocery store it never lets up. I wish I could put him in a bubble and never let him hear the "how old is he conversation" ever again. But I feel a sense of obligation not only to help you, my hypochondroplasia blog family but also the people who are not aware, who are curious, even those who are rude. God has more for us than surviving He expects thriving, He expects compassion He expects love.