The Restricted Growth Association is a UK charity that supports people with dwarfism. The RGA was formed in 1970 by Charles Pocock, Martin Nelson and other individuals in the UK wanting to provide a support network for people with restricted growth. Formally known as the Association into Research of Restricted Growth the charity aims to support all individuals and their families affected by skeletal dysplasia leading to short stature. Achondroplasia affects approximately 70% of people with dwarfism. There are many different forms of dwarfism caused by genetic conditions but the most common form of disproportionate short stature is Achondroplasia. There are over 200 known geneticconditions that can lead to short stature. 80% of children born with one of these conditions are born to parents with no previous family history of genetic skeletal dysplasia. The RGA aims to provide support from the first diagnosis and right through the life of the individual. The RGA Aims are to:
Enhance the role in society of persons of restricted growth
Lessen the fear and distress of families when a child with restricted growth is born
Provide friendship, mutual support and encouragement for individuals and their families
Develop an awareness of diversity and promote equality within the small people's community
The Association represents people of restricted growth and acts as an advocate on their behalf. In 2007, the RGA, supported by the Big Lottery Fund, commissioned a report into ‘Living with Restricted Growth’ The full report can be downloaded from the RGA website. The report covers people from all over the UK and whilst many participants have Achondroplasia, there were also participants with many other conditions such as Pseudoachondroplasa, Diastrophic Dysplasia, Spondo-epiphyseal Dysplasia and Hypochondroplasia. Restricted growth affects approximately 6000 individuals in the UK and their families. Around 200 rare genetic or developmental conditions cause disproportionate short stature, known medically as skeletal dysplasia. But restricted growth is more than a medical condition: myths and legends have always provided imagery and stories about dwarfs or little people. This fascination is expressed today in staring and name-calling, and through media stereotypes........ The RGA can provide links to Red Book inserts for children with Achondroplasia and height charts are available online. Children with Achondroplasia and other skeletal dysplasia's should not be monitored using the standard growth and development charts contained within the ‘Red Book’ The RGA welcomes members who are under 4'10" as well as their families and other individuals and organisations that have a genuine interest in dwarfism. Events are held regularly around the country. Visit the Restricted Growth Association's website for more information.
