Yep, that is right, Lilah had her first open house today for her Mother's Day Out (MDO) program. I have decided to enroll here this year for something, I wasn't sure at first because she is only 2.5, and I did not think pre-school was the answer this year, and daycare was not really an option for us either.
Our daughter, Lilah, is attending VPBC Mother’s Day Out Program this year. She was born with a form of dwarfism known as achondroplasia. We have found that in many cases, children and adults alike who are new to Lilah’s
condition are interested in increasing their understanding of dwarfism. With this in mind, we have compiled the following information which should answer many of the most frequently asked questions that should help you and the children in your classes understand Lilah’s dwarfism.
- Lilahs’s growth disorder, achondroplasia, is the most common form of dwarfism. It is a dominant genetic bone disorder that affects the long bones of the arms and legs, the spine, and some small bones in the head. Achondroplasia affects one child in 40,000 births. Dwarfism affects all races and nationalities equally.
- 80% of children born with dwarfism are a 1st generational phenomenon, which means that neither parent is a dwarf nor is there a history of dwarfism on either side of the family. Lilah is in this category. First generation dwarfism is a spontaneous gene mutation that is presently unexplainable; no cause has yet been found.
- Lilah’s adult height will be approximately 4 feet. Her life span should be equivalent to “average-sized” people.
- Dwarfs are not mentally handicapped in any way. The median I.Q. for dwarfs is, in fact, slightly higher than the median for “average sized” people.
- The difference between a dwarf and a midget has to do with physical proportions. Midgets are perfectly proportional, short-statured individuals. Dwarfs have average sized torsos, shortened limbs and slightly larger heads. Many people with dwarfism find the word “midget” offensive. This word is no longer used to describe people with dwarfism. The term “little person” or “person with dwarfism” is perfectly acceptable. Some individuals do refer to themselves as “dwarfs” and this also acceptable and not offensive.
Please don’t think that we are asking you to treat Lilah differently than her peers, but if questions or comments arise, please don’t hesitate to talk with me or look for further information at lpaonline.org (Little People of America). In talking about Lilah, the best route to take is to be open, honest and direct. For example, if your children comment that Lilah’s head is “big”, tell him “Yes, Lilah’s head is a little bigger than most kids, isn’t it? People come in all shapes and sizes!”
If there is any special treatment that we would like for Lilah, it is that he be treated according to her age and not her height. Please let your children know that they should not attempt to pick up Lilah. We celebrate Lilah’s differences and the opportunity she provides us to teach our community about tolerance and understanding toward people who look different than they do.
Sincerely,
Trenton and Sheri Ward
(we also added our contact information at the end)
