jill+h+what+is+dwarfism

Achondroplasia is defined by the LPA (Little People of America) as "an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or shorter as the result of a medical or genetic condition".

In the past, people wiht achondroplasia have been jesters, entertainers, and have been present at courts of mideval Europe.

This condition occurs in 1 in 25,000 births, and can affect anyone who has parents with achondroplasia or can also be due to a genetic mutation. Dwarfism was discovered in 1967 by French doctor Pierre Maroteaux

How to Diagnose Achondroplasia:
 * At birth, doctors can see the features of someone affected by dwarfism. These features can also be seen by an ultrasound, or an x- ray.
 * Doctors also take measurements, observe family history, and can conduct genetic testing.