Abnormalities That Affect Child Growth & Development

Several different disorders can delay the normal process of growth and development in children, although some children grow slowly without the presence of a disorder. If both parents are of shorter than average height, or if your child is growing at the usual pace even though he's shorter than average, a disorder may not be the cause. If your child's growth seems to have slowed or stopped, a growth disorder could be the explanation.

  1. HGH Deficiency

    • Human growth hormone deficiency is a condition in which the pituitary gland doesn't make enough of the hormones that stimulate normal growth and development. Most kids with HGH deficiency grow proportionally, but slower than normal. According to the Human Growth Foundation, some kids with HGH deficiency also have problems with obesity or low blood sugar, but most do not. HGH deficiency can develop at any point in childhood from infancy onward. When a child who was previously growing at a normal rate suddenly starts growing much more slowly, HGH deficiency may be the cause. According to the National Institute of Health, a growth hormone deficiency can also delay puberty.

    Hypothyroidism

    • Another condition that can cause delayed growth is hypothyroidism. This is a condition in which the thyroid gland stops producing enough thyroid hormone. According to the KidsHealth website, this hormone is needed to develop bone, so when the thyroid gland isn't working properly, bones won't grow at the normal pace. According to the Human Growth Foundation, other symptoms include a puffy-looking face, a larger than usual tongue, neurological problems and low energy or sluggishness.

    Malnutrition

    • Slow or delayed growth can be a symptom of chronic malnutrition, especially in cases where a child is not getting enough protein. According to the Human Growth Foundation, malnutrition can be caused by an underlying digestive problem. A child who can't properly digest what he's eating will not be able to get the full nutritional value from his meals, eventually leading to delayed growth. If a digestive disorder is the cause, the child may have a history of stomach problems as well as slow growth.

    Other Conditions

    • There are several other conditions that can cause slow growth. Girls with Turner syndrome grow slowly and don't develop functioning ovaries due to problems with the X chromosome. Children with Cushing's syndrome continue to gain weight but stop growing taller. Children with disproportionate short stature or dwarfism grow to a shorter than normal height despite having normal levels of growth hormone. If you think your child may have a growth disorder, your doctor can refer you to a pediatric endocrinologist.

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