Disability
Achondroplasia is associated to some restrictions or limitations in certain activities. Orphanet has published a page dedicated to what limitations a person with achondroplasia may experience, organizing them by how frequently these limitations are present in this population, classifying them in terms of temporality (if they are permanent or transient) and severity.
This list makes clear what can be expected from achondroplasia on a day-to-day basis and allows people and families with this condition to prepare accordingly, by finding solutions to these challenges, making use of adaptation devices and adapting the environment (such as the household and school).
Very frequent
| Activity | Temporality | Severity |
| Caring for body parts (skin, teeth, nails, hair, genitals) | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Dressing/undressing | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Driving | Permanent limitation | Severe |
| Shopping | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Cooking/preparing meals | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Doing housework | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Looking after/helping others | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Learning a profession (vocational training/apprenticeship) in the standard environment |
Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Seeking employment | Permanent limitation | Severe |
| Taking part in community life | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Traveling | Permanent limitation | Severe |
Frequent
| Activity | Temporality | Severity |
| Standing | Permanent limitation | Low |
| Maintaining a standing position | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Walking long distances | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Performing vigorous activities (climbing, running, jumping, swimming,...) | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Moving around within the home | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Moving around outside the home | Permanent limitation | Severe |
| Using transportation | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Interacting with other people | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Making/keeping friends | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Dealing with strangers | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Engaging in and maintaining intimate relationships | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Engaging in sexual relationships | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
|
Learning a profession (vocational training/apprenticeship) in an adapted |
Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Accessing higher education | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Engaging in paid work in a standard environment | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Engaging in paid work in a supported/sheltered environment | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Performing professional tasks | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Playing with others | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Socializing | Permanent limitation | Moderate |
| Practicing sports | Permanent limitation | Severe |
| Participating in the arts and cultural activities | Permanent limitation | Severe |
Occasional
| Activity | Temporality | Severity |
| Reaching and catching objects | Transient limitation | Moderate |
| Lifting and carrying objects | Transient limitation | Moderate |
| Handling objects (fine hand use) | Permanent limitation | Low |
| Washing oneself | Permanent limitation | Low |
| Getting good quality sleep | Permanent limitation | Low |
| Staying awake | Permanent limitation | Low |
Some activities/skills can also be delayed in acquisition by children with this condition. This is important information for parents of children with achondroplasia and these possibly delayed activities are listed below by frequency:
Frequent
| Activity | Temporality | Severity |
| Standing | Acquisition delay | Severe |
| Sitting | Acquisition delay | Severe |
| Bending | Acquisition delay | Low |
| Maintaining a standing position | Acquisition delay | Moderate |
| Handling objects (fine hand use) | Acquisition delay | Low |
| Walking long distances | Acquisition delay | Moderate |
| Performing vigorous activities (climbing, running, jumping, swimming,...) | Acquisition delay | Moderate |
| Washing oneself | Acquisition delay | Moderate |
Occasional
| Activity | Temporality | Severity |
| Maintaining head position | Acquisition delay | Low |
| Reaching and catching objects | Acquisition delay | Low |
| Lifting and carrying objects | Acquisition delay | Low |
| Walking short distances | Acquisition delay | Low |
| Attending preschool | Acquisition delay | Moderate |
| Attending mainstream school | Acquisition delay | Moderate |
| Attending school in an adapted mainstream/special environment | Acquisition delay | Moderate |
In addition to these limitations, it is also necessary to keep in mind food intake as a factor that, if properly managed, may improve or limit the restrictions imposed by this condition. You can check the our nutritional guide here, based on Dr. Kathryn Lamb's thesis entitled "Development Of Food Guide Pyramid For Individuals With Achondroplasia".
Sources
- Orphanet. ORPHA:15 Achondroplasia. Disability 2019 [cited 2019 14/03].
- Lamb, K.E., Development Of Food Guide Pyramid For Individuals With Achondroplasia, in Food and Nutrition2012, University of Carbondale: Southern Illinois.
