• Achondroplasia is caused by a genetic mutation – a change within a gene. This mutation can occur when the egg or sperm is being formed.
• It is a random event, but the gene change can also be inherited.
• Anybody can be born with achondroplasia but, once a person has the condition, it will run in the family and one in two of that person’s children will inherit the condition

• Social and emotional development
• Environmental adaptions- seating, height of pegs, drawers, lockers, positioning of shared items on the table,
• Care needs- may need to use a step, can they reach the taps independently?, managing steps/ stairs ( follow behind class or go in front), door handles, dresing and undressing,
• Seating- may need to adapt chair and table height as students grow older, use of foot step, cushion, support when sitting on the floor, backrests on stools,
• PE- see link to Dwarf Sports Association
• Bags- use of backpack to support balance

Each student should be considered on an individually, however the Dwarf Sports Association recommend the following sports are approached with caution and further advice should be sought;

• Trampoline
• High jump
• Long jump
• Gymnastics

• People with achondroplasia have a normal sized trunk but short legs and arms.
• The condition mainly affects the growth of the upper arms and thighs.
• Other signs include a prominent forehead, a sunken nose, crowded teeth and a protruding jaw.
• The average height of a person with achondroplasia is around four feet.

About one in 25,000 people are born with achondroplasia.

• There is no cure for achondroplasia.
• Infants with achondroplasia often have a curve in the lower spine that might need a brace for the first year or so of life.
• Some people with achondroplasia develop bow legs. Surgery can straighten them.
• Others might wish to be considered for leg lengthening treatment. This can add as much as 25-30cms to a child's final height over two to three separate years, but the treatment is difficult and time consuming.