This website is intended for residents of the U.S. interested in achondroplasia

FINDING YOUR COMMUNITY

With diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and firsthand knowledge, the achondroplasia community can help provide support you may be searching for.

One aspect of her life just happens to be that she was born with achondroplasia. But this doesn’t define who she is and will be. And this is true for all kids with dwarfism.

Kelsey, Mother of a child with achondroplasia*

COMING TOGETHER LOCALLY

Connect with other families who share and understand your experiences with achondroplasia at a Rising Love event near you.

Rising Love events create a space for children with achondroplasia and their families to find support, inspiration, and education from within their local community. Whether you’re looking for perspective on approaches to management, stories about overcoming challenges, or conversation about the achondroplasia experience—there’s something for everyone at one of these family-friendly gatherings.

Food will be provided at every event and each family that attends will receive their own copy of Rising Love to take home. Get notified about events in your area.

Join an Event

Sharing inspirational stories

With every story, understanding is spreading and the community is growing stronger. See how others are showing the world what it means to thrive with achondroplasia.

Photo of woman holding baby above head

Meet Diego and his mom, Sela

When Diego was born, Sela felt scared and had a lot of questions. Luckily, she found an experienced team that gave her the confidence that Diego was receiving the best care.

Watch the video

Photo of woman holding a child with Achondroplasia close to her face and smiling

Meet Raegan and her mom, Raechel

Raegan has a larger-than-life personality and loves to laugh. Her mother, Raechel, is a planner who always has an eye on the big picture. See how their community helped them find belonging and understanding.

Watch the video

Photo of woman holding child at her chest

Meet Jackson and his mom, Lisa

Jackson’s a snowboarder, swimmer, and advocate. His mom, a pediatric occupational therapist, was able to use her expertise to guide her search for answers. By following Jackson’s lead, Lisa and his family help him flex his muscles and crush misconceptions about what a child with achondroplasia can really do.

Watch the video

Photo of a teenager with Achondroplasia

Meet Angel

Angel is a typical teenager who is learning to embrace his independence and chart his own path forward with the support of his parents.

Watch the video

Finding advocacy

The following advocacy groups are listed to provide support for you and your family along the achondroplasia journey. BioMarin is not responsible for the content and conduct of these organizations.

From online communities to local groups and national organizations, there’s an expansive network of support within the achondroplasia community.

The Chandler Project logo

The Chandler Project

The Chandler Project was created to provide a safe space for those affected by achondroplasia and other skeletal dysplasias. It’s a place to connect with families like yours to learn more about current and ongoing research for managing achondroplasia and other skeletal dysplasias.

Chandler Project

Growing Stronger logo

Growing stronger

Growing Stronger’s mission is to improve the quality of medical care for little people through supporting research. It provides information and resources that may help guide some of the conversations with your child’s healthcare team.

Growing stronger

Little Legs Big Heart logo

Little Legs Big Heart

The Little Legs Big Heart Foundation is on a mission to empower and uplift individuals living with skeletal dysplasia and their families, redefining inclusivity and acceptance for the skeletal dysplasia community and encouraging them to resiliently live life beyond height.

Little legs big heart

Little People of America logo

Little People of America

Little People of America (LPA) has been a source of connection, support, advocacy, and information for people and families living with various kinds of dwarfism. It has been instrumental in elevating and celebrating little people everywhere, and advocating for disability rights and inclusion.

Little people of America

FIND SPECIALIZED CARE FOR YOUR CHILD

Healthcare professionals are a vital part of the achondroplasia community. They help support healthy development and are a valuable source of knowledge. However, achondroplasia is rare, so it may be difficult to find doctors with the experience you need. Feel confident you’re finding specialized care for your child.

Locate healthcare providers in your area who have experience caring for children with achondroplasia.

Search results are not comprehensive and do not reflect any endorsement or certifications from BioMarin.
This directory is available for any healthcare provider who chooses to be listed and may not reflect all healthcare professionals in your area.

Close terms

Terms & Conditions

By using this website, you agree that:

Join the inside story

Gain access to information about achondroplasia, including the latest research advancements and upcoming events in your area. All sent directly to your inbox.

*Names have been anonymized.

References:

  1. Foreman PK, van Kessel F, van Hoorn R, et al. Birth prevalence of achondroplasia: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Am J Med Genet A. 2020;182(10):2297-2316.
  2. Savarirayan R, Ireland P, Irving M, et al. International Consensus Statement on the diagnosis, multidisciplinary management and lifelong care of individuals with achondroplasia. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2022;18(3):173-189.
  3. Hoover-Fong J, Scott CI, Jones MC; AAP Committee on Genetics. Health supervision for people with achondroplasia. Pediatrics. 2020;145(6):e20201010.