Adjustment and rehabilitation problems of children and adolescents with growth retardation. I. Familial dwarfism with high plasma immunoreactive human growth hormone.

Nine children and adolescents with the syndrome of familial dwarfism and high plasma immunoreactive human growth hormone were assessed by means of a battery of psychological tests, and they and their parents were interviewed with the aim of studying the problems of adjustment and rehabilitation in this group of patients. The group as a whole showed a lower-than-average intelligence quotient and a distinct deficiency in visuomotor functioning. Although this type of dwarf is well proportioned and without major malformations, his markedly small stature and limited physical endurance cause various problems, including those of mobility, clothing, and accommodation to public transportation and normal-sized furniture in school and at work. Psychological problems include intrafamily relationships and the attitudes encountered in school, in social situations and at places of employment. It is concluded that these patients need the specialized counseling of a centralized rehabilitation center which offers a combined program of medical care, psychological support and assistance with such problems as schooling, choice of occupation and the finding of suitable employment. It is suggested that the rehabilitation problems and needs of all dwarfs are similar, irrespective of the etiology of the dwarfism.