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

Daily Living With Achondroplasia

13 TO 17 YEARS

Daily Living With Achondroplasia

13 TO 17 YEARS

Home and clothing adaptations

Home adaptations

Teens with achondroplasia can be independent just like their average-height peers, but they may do some things differently. Simple adaptations can help them with personal hygiene and other responsibilities at home. 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 independence and comfort. For practical tips about toileting, visit Beyond Achondroplasia’s toileting guide.

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

Helping your teen create a day that works for them.

This worksheet helps you and your teen 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 teen’s care team about what adaptations
may work best for your teen and your home.

Clothing adaptations

Finding clothing that fits and is age-appropriate can be challenging for teens with achondroplasia; however, having clothing that reflects their 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 teens with achondroplasia

Teens with achondroplasia may benefit from accommodations that make it easier for them to participate in activities and be more independent at school. Involving your teen in the planning process not only helps meet their personal needs, but it 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 teen may need to thrive (for more information, see Educating others at school).

Before school starts, consider scheduling a walk-through of the school with your teen 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 teen feel more confident and familiar with the space

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

  • Classroom setup and seating
  • Physical education modifications (eg, 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 teen 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 teen:

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

For more information about school adaptations and accommodations, visit:

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

If you haven’t already, consider taking a look at the My Day, My Way worksheet. It can help you and your teen 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 teen’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 teen’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 teen 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 teen’s personality and environment.

Sports and activities for TEENS with achondroplasia

Teens with achondroplasia may have some physical limitations when it comes to participating in sports. For example, they may get tired faster than their peers. 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 trauma. 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 teen to explore physical activities that feel fun, safe, and empowering. Many sports can be modified (if needed) so that teens 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 teens with skeletal dysplasia to compete in sports designed for their needs.

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

Driving considerations for teens with achondroplasia

Many teens with achondroplasia learn to drive just like their peers, with a few adjustments to help them drive comfortably and safely.

Common modifications include

  • Pedal extenders – removable and easy to transfer between cars for travel
  • Seat and back cushions – add height and improve visibility over the steering wheel
  • Manual hand controls – allow the driver to operate the vehicle using hands only

Because people with achondroplasia often sit closer to the steering wheel, they may be at a higher risk of airbag injuries if they are in an accident. In some cases, safety guidelines recommend evaluating whether the airbag should be turned off to reduce that risk. It’s a good idea to talk with a vehicle modification expert to understand what setup is safest and most comfortable for the driver.

A consultation with a driver rehabilitation specialist or the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists can help identify the right adaptations for your teen.

To learn more about adaptive driving and modifications for people of short stature, please visit:

Emergency planning for TEENS with achondroplasia

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

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

  • Talk to your teen’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 teen 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 teen’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: What is achondroplasia?

Go Now

HEAR FROM THE COMMUNITY

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

- Teenager 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

“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

“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