Teens with achondroplasia may get extra attention at school or in public because they look different from their peers. Often, this attention is positive—and some teens feel proud to stand out and enjoy being recognized for who they are. But at times, standing out can bring challenges, especially alongside all the other changes that come with the teenage years. Some teens may face teasing, bullying, or being left out of social activities. Others may be treated as if they’re younger or less capable than they are. Strangers might stare, ask uncomfortable or intrusive questions, make comments, or even take photos without permission. These experiences can be difficult—not just for teens, but for their families, too.

It’s important to remember that some of these challenges are not unique to achondroplasia—other minority groups can face similar experiences. Parents and caregivers should check in regularly with their teens about how they’re feeling and what they’re experiencing.

Despite these challenges, many teens with achondroplasia develop strong self-confidence and a powerful sense of identity. With support from trusted adults, friends, and their community, they can learn how to handle unwanted attention, speak up for themselves, and take pride in who they are.
If your teen is facing bullying or other social challenges, the following resources can help:

You can support your teen by having open conversations at home, teaching them to stand up for themselves safely, and modeling how to treat others with kindness and respect. With the right support, teens with achondroplasia can grow up feeling confident and proud of who they are.

As your teen gets older, they may get questions from classmates, teachers, or strangers about their height. One helpful way to prepare for these questions is by working together to create a quick, ready-made response. The guide below can help you and your child create a 1-minute message that feels right for them.