Meet Julian
Hello! We are the Worsham family and our son Julian will be in 2nd Grade this year at Bethany Elementary.
You might notice Julian is quite a bit smaller than the average 7 year old and that’s
because he has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia. Simply put, Julian’s bones
grow much slower than the average child. He is just like his 7-8 year-old peers in every
sometimes children can be very curious and that is ok. There are no dumb questions and
achondroplasia rather than the word midget. Midget is a highly offensive word in the
dwarfism community. At the same time, just as we like to be referred to by our name and
loves to laugh. He also has an older brother named Cade who is in 4th grade. We are
email. Understanding Dwarfism (understandingdwarfism.com) is also a great
website with lots of information if you would like to learn more about dwarfism.
Brett and Heather Worsham (Email: hsham29@gmail.com)
because he has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia. Simply put, Julian’s bones
grow much slower than the average child. He is just like his 7-8 year-old peers in every
way, except he’s just small, that’s all!
sometimes children can be very curious and that is ok. There are no dumb questions and
we would love to answer any that you or your child might have.
Some of the most common ways we explain Julian’s differences to children are:
- Julian is smaller because his bones grow slower.
- Julian is not a baby, he’s just like you, just small, that’s all.
- Julian is super smart with a big brain that’s why his head is a little larger.
- Julian can do anything you can, even though he is shorter. Sometimes he does things a little different with the help of step stools or it might take him a little longer to get somewhere because his legs are shorter. But he can do it!
Often, people are unsure of what term(s) to use to refer to Julian’s condition. In reference
to his stature, the appropriate terminology is little person or a person with dwarfism orachondroplasia rather than the word midget. Midget is a highly offensive word in the
dwarfism community. At the same time, just as we like to be referred to by our name and
not some physical attribute, Julian prefers the same!
loves to laugh. He also has an older brother named Cade who is in 4th grade. We are
looking forward to building great friendships this year with you all!
email. Understanding Dwarfism (understandingdwarfism.com) is also a great
website with lots of information if you would like to learn more about dwarfism.
Brett and Heather Worsham (Email: hsham29@gmail.com)
Dwarfism Facts:
- There are over 200 types of dwarfism with achondroplasia being the most common.
- The average height for an adult with achondroplasia is 4 ft 4 inches.
- There are 30,000 individuals with dwarfism that live in the U.S.
- Over 80% of individuals with achondroplasia have average height parents with no family history of dwarfism.
- Acceptable terminology includes little person, LP, an individual with dwarfism, a short-statured person, or simply using the person’s name. The word ‘midget’ is considered rude and highly offensive.
- In the dwarfism community the word “average” is used instead of the word “normal." Example: “Average sized parents” rather than “normal sized parents”.
- Dwarfism is not an intellectual disability.
- Dwarfism is not a reason to assume that someone is incapable. Little People can do just about anything an average sized person can, just sometimes in a different way.
- Individuals with dwarfism are immersed into every profession, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, mechanics, artists, and teachers