Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Dwarfism Awareness month

I wanted to write a little about dwarfism and what it means this month in honor of my beautiful daughter Kaela Rachel Laurin. Kaela has taught us and her family so much about dwarfism and accepting the differences in people. We can only hope that people will read our blog and learn something new and walk away with a new understanding and a little knowledge. The more we make you aware, the more our children have a chance at leading a life with less stares and more acceptance.
DWARFISM
People who are born with dwarfism are people. They enjoy doing the same sorts of things as people who are of average height.
People with dwarfism are small in size, but can do just about anything that an averaged sized person can do. They may do it in a different way, but odds are, they can do it too.
People who are born with dwarfism want to be treated like everyone else. They deserve to be treated like anyone else. This does not make them any less of a person.
The majority of little people are born to average height parents. Most forms of dwarfism are caused by a random mutation.
People who are born with dwarfism can hold jobs, have families, play sports and so much more.
Someone with dwarfism can be referred to as a little person, lp, dwarf, person with dwarfism, and most importantly by their name. The word midget is considered to be very offensive and should not be used.
There are over 200 forms of dwarfism.
Dwarfism does not cause cognitive impairment. Most children born with dwarfism, have average or above average intelligence.
Kaela's specific form of dwarfism is called Metatropic Dysplasia. There are around 85 known cases of MD around the world, meaning it is a very rare form of dwarfism.
The average height for someone with dwarfism is typically around 4 feet, but can range from 2 and a half feet to 4 feet 10 inches. Kaela will most likely be between 3.5 and 4ft tall.
The most important thing you can know is that people with dwarfism are people. This world is full of all kinds of different people, and once you begin to learn a little about 'different' you will realize there's nothing wrong with it. The more educated we become, the better off we will be. Being curious, having questions and wanting to learn is natural and accepted. Asking appropriate questions is okay. Being rude and making fun of someone is not okay. If you have questions or want to learn more, ask. I have met a lot of parents of little people in the last couple of years and I am sure that every one of them would love to brag about their kids to you! The more we know, the more accepting we are. Learn a little and pass it on.
WHO could resist this face?!