why some people remain in dwarfism

Many people who have the condition prefer the term "little person" or "person of short stature." For some, "dwarf" is acceptable. For most, "midget" definitely is not. But here's an idea everyone can agree on: Why not simply call a person with dwarfism by his or her name?

Being of short stature is only one of the characteristics that make a little person who he or she is. If you're the parent or loved one of a little person, you know this to be true. But here are some facts that other people may not realize about dwarfism and those who have it.

Dwarfism:

* is a condition characterized by short stature. Technically, that means an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or under, according to the advocacy group Little People of America (LPA).

* can be caused by any one of more than 200 conditions, most of which are genetic. The most common type, accounting for 70% of all cases of short stature, is called achondroplasia.

* can and most often does occur in families where both parents are of average height. In fact, 85% of children with achondroplasia are born to average-size parents.

Dwarfism isn't:

* an intellectual disability. A person who has dwarfism is typically of normal intelligence.

* a disease that requires a "cure." Most people with the condition can live long, fulfilling lives.

* a reason to assume someone is incapable. Little people go to school, go to work, marry, and raise children, just like their average-size peers.