I chose to blog about dwarfism, also known as short stature because society considers Dwarfism to be entertainment, which it is not. People in society don't understand that Dwarfism is a dangerous diagnosis that could and commonly comes with severe health issues. People diagnosed with Dwarfism have a normal intelligence, and Dwarfism isn't a reason for someone to assume that Dwarfs are incapable, they have just as much potential as us. By creating this blog I hope to expand peoples views and knowledge on Dwarfism, and also hope to help people understand that Dwarfism isn't just a physical characteristic, it also comes along with health issues.
Dwarfism is "characterized by short stature". In order to be legally classified as a dwarf, the person needs to be an adult who measures 4 feet 10 inches (4'10) or shorter in height, and who has disproportional limb and trunk lengths to their body. Dwarfism or in other words short stature is caused by a sudden mutation or change in the egg or sperm cell before conception, or by genetic changes caused by both or one of the parents. There are many types of dwarfism, most types are recognized as skeletal dysplasias, which is abnormal bone growth. There are two types of skeletal dysplasias, short-trunk and short-limb. People with short-trunk dysplasias have a shorter trunk with average sized limbs, while people with short-limb dysplasias have an average sized trunk with shorter arms and legs. The most common type of dwarfism is achondroplasia, which is the type of short stature that 70% of dwarfs have. Dwarfism most commonly is seen in families where both the parents are average height, for example; 4-5 people diagnosed with achondroplasia were off spring of two people who were average sized. Depending on what causes the short stature, two average sized people can have a child with achondroplasia, and two people diagnosed with achondroplasia can have an average sized child. Diastrophic dysplasia is another different type of short-limb dysplasias. Diastrophic dysplasia is present in 1 in 100,000 births. People diagnosed with diastrophic dysplasia have shorter calves and forearms. SED also known as Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias occurs in every 1 in 95,000 births and is also known as one of the most common forms. People diagnosed with Spondyloepiphyseal dyplasias have a lack of growth in their trunks, and this growth may not be seen until 5-10 years old.
Do you find this topic interesting? Did you learn more about Dwarfism than you had before? Feel free to comment and let me know!
Keara, A very interesting topic! I know very little about Dwarfism so I am very excited to read your blog to learn more. I agree with you that society doesn’t know much about or understand people with this condition. I find it very disturbing that these people were exploited back in the early years of the circus. I find it even more disturbing that they are still being exploited on reality TV shows. It is amazing what some of these people accomplish despite societal prejudices as well as their physical limitations. Great start on your Blog! Mrs. A.
ReplyDeleteKeara, what made you pick this interesting topic? Do you know anyone who is a dwarf? I did not know that there were many types of dwarfism and this condition can cause severe health risks. By the way, I know you think I have this condition, however according to your information legal dwarf height 4'10 and I am 5'0 so i guess I'm not a dwarf like you thought.
ReplyDeletelove you (:
Kali, I do not know anyone who is a Dwarf, but I saw you watching videos of them (for entertainment purposes) and decided to respond my blogging about them, and how they're people too. Yes it can cause severe health risks, which is dangerous so it's really not a funny topic. Oh and you are not 5'0, but I hope that by you reading this blog, you will learn that Dwarfs are people with FEELINGs too.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Keara
Keara,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic and one that actually has a personal component for me: my cousin's daughter is of short stature. As you pointed out so well, my cousin and her husband are of regular height. However, their daughter, Lauren, was born a dwarf. She is a very intelligent and articulate woman who has gone to college and gotten married to another dwarf. Your blog was very informative - I did not know that there were two different types of dysplasias, nor did I know how poorly treated they were by circuses in the past. Good job and I'll look forward to learning more in future posts! Sra. Uniacke