Dwarfism - Get Your Facts Straight Quiz

Answer: Midget

The term midget is considered very offensive by many people with dwarfism. Although dwarf and little person are acceptable, it is preferable that a person with dwarfism be addressed by his/her name.

Answer: Peter Dinklage

All of the actors listed above have achondroplasia. Josh Ryan Evens, who passed away in 2003, played Timmy in the soap "Passions". Danny Woodburn is best known for his regularly occurring role on "Seinfeld", and Jason Acuna is better known as "Wee-Man" of MTV fame.

Answer: False

The only expected adaptive needs for an adult with achondroplasia are step stools and appliances that allow them further reach. Children sometimes need tubes placed in their ears to assist with drainage.

Answer: 4 feet 4 inches

The average height for a female with achondroplasia is 4 feet. Researchers have studied the use of growth hormone in people with achondroplasia. They found that it does increase height by a couple inches when given during childhood, however, they do not believe that it affects the overall adult height.

The only treatment to increase bone growth for people with achondroplasia is called "Extended Limb Lengthening". As much as 12 inches can be added to the bone length with this procedure. The procedure, which takes about a year per limb, is performed on the thighs, lower legs, upper arms, lower arms.

The procedure is controversial among the dwarfism community. There are conflicting opinions about long term orthopedic health of individuals who have had the procedure. Parents of children with achondroplasia and adults considering extended limb lengthening are encouraged to learn about the social and physical effects of limb lengthening.

Answer: False

Achondroplasia is inherited in automsomal dominant manner. However, 80% of the cases of achondroplasia are caused by a new mutation. Neither parent has any history of achondroplasia. Once a person has the gene for achondroplasia they have a 50% chance of passing that gene on to their children. If their child is born without achondroplasia, then there no greater chance of achondroplasia reoccurring that in the general population.

Answer: 50%

If a person with achondroplasia has children with another person with achondroplasia, their chances of having a child with achondroplasia is 50%. They have a 25% chance of having a child of average height, and a 25% chance that the child will inherit the achondroplasia gene from both parents. This double dominant inheritance is not compatible with life.

Answer: Lower IQ

People with achondroplasia have "normal" intelligence. Achondroplasia affects the growth of the long bones in the body. It greatly decreases the growth in areas that have more cartilage. Since the nose is formed with cartilage, it is another body part that usually remains small.

Answer: Little People of America

Little People of America is a large organization that provides resources and information for people and families affected by dwarfism. They disseminate medical information, advocacy support, and provide local, regional and national gatherings for people with dwarfism.

These gatherings provide a rare time for little people to play sports, socialize, and be around many others with dwarfism.

Answer: False

People with achondroplasia usually produce adequate growth hormone. The change on the FGFR-3 gene, which causes achondroplasia, does not allow growth hormone to work properly. At this time, extended limb lengthening is the only procedure that would allow a person with achondroplasia to achieve average or close to average height.

This procedure is controversial among some people with dwarfism.

Answer: the same as people of average height

People with achondroplasia are at the same risk for illness as that of the general population. Doctors encourage people with dwarfism to watch their weight. Extra stress on the smaller joints can cause orthopedic damage.