dwarfism / short stature
Last updatedWhat to know
Dwarfism or short stature describes a condition in which an adult human’s height is below a certain threshold (typically 4-foot-10). There are several forms of dwarfism, both proportional and disproportional, and short stature can be caused by many factors, including genetic or environmental conditions. Achondroplasia is the most common form of dwarfism; because the condition primarily affects the long bones, a person with achondroplasia will appear to have shorter arms and legs compared to the size of their head and torso. The gene for achondroplasia was discovered in 1994 and prenatal testing for the condition exists, though there are ethical and emotional questions around the utility and necessity of such testing.
The term “midget” historically was used to refer to a proportional person of short stature, though now it is often considered highly offensive. The terms “little person,” “person of short stature,” or “dwarf” are more commonly accepted, though someone may identify with one, more, or none of these terms. While dwarfism is recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, someone diagnosed with dwarfism may not identify as having a disability or being part of a disability community. If necessary and relevant to coverage to include such an identifier, taking into account a person’s preference whenever possible ensures coverage aligns with their lived experience.
Additional resources
- FAQ (Little People of America)
- Achondroplasia (National Institutes of Health)
- ‘There is a fear that this will eradicate dwarfism’: the controversy over a new growth drug (Guardian)
Summary
Dwarfism or short stature describes a condition in which an adult human’s height is below a certain threshold (typically 4-foot-10). There are several forms of dwarfism, both proportional and disproportional, and short stature can be caused by many factors, including genetic or environmental conditions. The terms “little person,” “person of short stature,” or “dwarf” are the ones now most commonly accepted to describe such conditions, though someone may identify with one, more, or none of these terms. While dwarfism is recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, someone diagnosed with dwarfism may not identify as having a disability or being part of a disability community. If necessary and relevant to coverage to include such an identifier, taking into account a person’s preference whenever possible ensures coverage aligns with their lived experience.