Achondroplasia is a rare, genetic condition, but one of the most common types of restricted growth with disproportionate short stature. Achondroplasia is mainly a physical condition with affected people having normal intelligence.

Many practical difficulties can be overcome with a little imagination and there is no reason why someone with achondroplasia should not participate in most activities. It is important that the person themselves is able to find their own limits and boundaries and that these are not imposed by society.

Achondroplasia literally means 'no cartilage growth,' but in reality it refers to poor bone growth resulting in shortened limbs. The tissues around the limbs are not affected and continue to grow leading to bulky arms and legs.

Every 1 in 25,000 - 40,000 babies is born with achondroplasia.

(Information above from www.restrictedgrowth.co.uk)

Personally, I find having achondroplasia can have its advantages aswell as disadvantages. Such as, everyone knows me, obviously this isn't always a good thing, but at school everyone knows my name. Plus, if I didn't have achondroplasia I wouldn't be able to go to DAA and RGA, which are places I go to to meet up with people with restricted growth conditions.

People take for granted seeing people like themselves everyday and no one will ever know apart from people like myself, how nice it is to meet someone like yourself.