How does achondroplasia affect development?
Individuals with achondroplasia usually have normal intelligence and a normal life span. However, affected children have a number of medical complications that can affect their development. Babies with achondroplasia have poor muscle tone, often leading to delays in learning to sit, stand and walk. Before beginning to walk, a baby with achondroplasia often develops a small hump (kyphosis) on his upper back. This is due to poor muscle tone and usually goes away after the child starts walking. Babies with achondroplasia should not be placed in umbrella-type strollers or other carriers that do not provide good back support, because lack of support can contribute to development of a hump in the back. Once walking, the child usually develops a markedly curved lower spine (lordosis or sway-back), and the lower legs often become bowed. The feet are generally short, broad and flat. Children with achondroplasia also have narrow passages in the nose that can contribute to ear infections and, wit
