What Is Achondroplasia? Resources + Tools
What Is Achondroplasia? Resources + Tools

Navigating Daily Life
With Achondroplasia

6 TO 12 YEARS

Navigating Daily Life
With Achondroplasia

6 TO 12 YEARS

Home and clothing adaptations

Home adaptations

Children with achondroplasia build skills and independence just like their peers, though they may do some things differently. Simple adaptations can help them manage personal hygiene, participate in routines, and take on new responsibilities on their own.

Toileting and personal hygiene are important areas where small changes can make a big difference. Tools or modifications like a reach extender, step stool, or child-sized toilet can support your child’s independence and comfort. For practical tips about toileting, visit Beyond Achondroplasia’s toileting guide.

Some children may also have limited ability to straighten the arm at the elbow or move the hip forward and backward (also called joint contracture). Occupational therapists can recommend strategies and tools, such as reach extenders, to help with restricted arm reach. Physical therapists or pediatric orthopedic specialists can suggest exercises to help hip mobility and recommend seating or positioning changes to support comfort and movement.

Other helpful adaptations include

Step stools in areas where extra height is needed

Other helpful adaptations include

Storing cups and dishes 
in lower cabinets

Other helpful adaptations include

Lowering light switches or adding light switch/doorknob extenders

Other helpful adaptations include

Modified bikes designed for people with short stature

Other helpful adaptations include

Ensuring toilet access at
home and in public Learn more

Helping your child create a day that works for them.

This worksheet helps you and your child explore their daily routines and find small changes that can make things easier, more comfortable, and support their independence.

My Day, My WayDownload PDF

For more ideas, explore:

Please speak with your child’s care team about what adaptations
may work best for your child and your home.

Clothing adaptations

As your child gets older, finding clothing that fits and is age-appropriate may become more challenging; however, having clothing that reflects your child’s identity is important for their confidence and self-esteem.

Tailoring may be required, which usually involves shortening the sleeves and pants. You can explore more achondroplasia-friendly clothing ideas here. Some advocacy organizations also host clothing swaps throughout the year.

School accommodations for children with achondroplasia

Children with achondroplasia may benefit from accommodations that make it easier for them to participate in activities and be more independent at school. Involving your child in the planning process not only helps meet their personal needs, but also empowers them to speak up for themselves and build confidence. It’s also a valuable opportunity to help educate others—from teachers to classmates—about what your child may need to thrive (for more information, see Educating others at school).

Before the new school year starts, consider scheduling a walk-through of the school with your child and a physical or occupational therapist. This can help:

  • Identify barriers like high sinks, toilets, or lockers
  • Allow time to plan for any accommodations
  • Help your child feel more confident and familiar with the space

It can be helpful to meet with your child’s teachers and school staff to discuss accommodations such as:

  • Classroom setup and seating
  • Recess and playground access
  • Physical education modifications (for example, shorter running distances, avoiding contact sports or hanging from bars)
  • An extra set of textbooks to keep at home (to avoid carrying them to and from school)
  • Additional time to get from one class to another
  • Less walking on field trips

Your child may qualify for formal accommodations through their school district. The school can help you determine which, if either, of the following options is appropriate for your child:

  • 504 plan: A document created by the school and parents that will identify accommodations, such as providing step stools, to help your child participate in the classroom
  • Individualized education plan (IEP): A personalized document that describes the special education services your child will receive, such as speech or reading help. Note that an IEP may not be needed unless your child has a learning disability

For more information about school adaptations and accommodations for children with achondroplasia, visit:

LPA’s Accommodations in the School Presentation Beyond Achondroplasia’s
Ergonomic Adaptations for School

Our My Day, My Way worksheet can also help you and your child identify parts of the school day that could be made easier and explore simple, practical solutions together.

Educating others at school

If you would like to educate your child’s classmates and their families about achondroplasia, one option is to write a back-to-school letter to be sent home with the students in your child’s class (an editable example letter can be found here). Another option is to ask an advocacy group member to give a brief presentation about achondroplasia to the class at the start of the school year.

It’s important to involve your child in the decision about whether and how to educate their classmates about achondroplasia. This is a personal decision that should be made based on your child’s personality and environment.

Sports and activities for children with achondroplasia

Children with achondroplasia may have some physical limitations when it comes to participating in sports. For example, they may tire more easily than their peers during exercise. This can be due to a variety of factors, including shorter stride length (which requires more steps and energy) and shorter muscles that get tired more quickly.

There is also a higher risk of spinal cord injury from forceful head or neck injury. Because of this, health care providers typically advise against contact sports or high-impact activities like tackle football, diving, gymnastics, or trampoline use. Safer options include swimming, golf, tennis, baseball or softball, soccer (without heading), and basketball.

Encourage your child to explore physical activities that feel fun, safe, and empowering. Many sports can be modified (if needed) so that children of all abilities, including those with achondroplasia, can participate fully. These activities can help build strength, confidence, and friendships. Organizations like the Dwarf Athletic Association of America (DAAA), United Adaptive Soccer Association, and the Paralympic Games provide opportunities for children with skeletal dysplasia to compete in sports designed for their needs.

You might also explore camps created for children with medical conditions or physical differences. Programs like The Painted Turtle, Camp Ellellbee, and Camp Seneb provide an inclusive setting where children with achondroplasia or other conditions can connect with peers and build confidence.

Car safety for children with achondroplasia

Children with achondroplasia may need extra support to help keep them safe in the car. Medical guidelines recommend using a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, until your child reaches the height or weight limit set by the manufacturer. The rules for when it’s okay to switch your child to a forward-facing seat depend on your state. Some laws are based on your child’s age, weight, or height.

For help and up-to-date safety rules, check with local experts such as police stations, hospitals, or fire stations that offer car seat clinics, or visit your state’s motor vehicle website.

Emergency planning for children with achondroplasia

Some children with achondroplasia have specific medical or mobility needs. Having an emergency plan can help keep your child safe in a fire, tornado, or other crisis.

To prepare for an emergency, it can be helpful to:

  • Talk to your child’s school about their needs (such as difficulty walking or running) and work together on an emergency plan
    • Make sure they can reach the handles of doors to use emergency exits
  • Get a medical ID bracelet or card for your child that lists their achondroplasia and any other important health information
  • Reach out to your local fire department or police station to let them know about your child’s achondroplasia and any special needs—this can help first responders act quickly and safely if there’s ever a 911 call

Helpful resources for emergency planning include

Next section: Teenage years and achondroplasia

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HEAR FROM THE COMMUNITY

“What we have seen is that she has done a great job of adapting herself, getting creative, doing things a little bit differently, but she always finds a way to be successful.”

- Father of a teenager living with achondroplasia

“We have relied heavily on the community. We are quite appreciative of the community and the resources that are available to help parents, siblings and individuals with achondroplasia. The diversity within this community has been quite enriching on many levels.”

- Father of a teenager living with achondroplasia

“My friends would describe me as someone with a big personality, very outgoing, and someone that always is smiling. I’m a people person, and I love making people happy.”

- Young adult living with achondroplasia

“What I want to convey to society is that rare conditions exist, and there are many people in the world who need help. I genuinely wish that the world would be kinder. I hope people have a level of knowledge that allows them to understand the condition when they see a child that is smaller or looks different.”

- Mother of a child living with achondroplasia

“Really, we are just like everyone else. We may look different, but we like being treated like everyone else.”

- Teenager living with achondroplasia

“I was four years old when my younger brother was born. I was young and didn’t understand what achondroplasia was. I don’t care if my brother is tall or short. I was simply happy to have a younger brother.”

- Sibling of a person living with achondroplasia

“Having achondroplasia, you are going to come across challenges consistently. The way you are going to deal with them is really going to impact your life. Yes, I have challenges; obstacles get thrown at me all the time, but it’s the way of going about it and realizing there is so much more to life than having achondroplasia.”

- Young adult living with achondroplasia

“My joy is seeing my child’s daily progress. There were many things she couldn’t do like other children. She is gradually becoming capable of those things, little by little. I realized that it’s okay to grow slowly.”

- Mother of a child living with achondroplasia

“Typically, with achondroplasia, people focus on height, but there are other important aspects of the condition that impact quality of life.”

- Father of a teenager living with achondroplasia

“Our daughter is a person. She has feelings. Yes, she may be physically different than other children or other people, but I think that it is important to be aware of those differences without necessarily calling attention to them.”

- Father of a teenager living with achondroplasia

“We were always outside, we always were being competitive, playing sports, just being kids.”

- Young adult living with achondroplasia

“I would tell myself back then [at time of diagnosis], just take a deep breath and let go of the fear a little bit. Fear is normal. Once you are over that fear, you kind of just dive in. You dive into the information, and you educate yourself and learn everything you can learn about achondroplasia and really try to be your kid’s biggest advocate.”

- Mother of a teenager living with achondroplasia

“The greatest joy as a parent is seeing my son be energetic and cheerful. I hope that my son will continue to look forward proudly, hold his head high, and live confidently and cheerfully.”

- Mother of a child living with achondroplasia

“I see in my future pretty much what anyone else would: graduating school, graduating college, going on to a job I like, starting a family.”

- Teenager living with achondroplasia