Question

A child of 8 years old was diagnosed with dwarfism and has started to grow pubic hair, with some signs of sexual development. I would like to consult about the main impacts of dwarfism on children.

Answer

  1. Social barriers and withdrawal: During the school age, children with dwarfism may fear being mocked by classmates and hesitate to interact with others, leading to suppression and withdrawal, becoming marginalized and isolated. Their relationships with classmates are poor, and they may engage in disciplinary problems, have difficulty concentrating, and even be affected in their studies. They are significantly behind normal children in group living and social skills, often showing signs of self-closure.
  2. Emotional instability: Due to their stature, over 90% of children with dwarfism have a sense of inferiority and lack self-esteem. Their emotions are easily affected by both internal and external environments.