Watching a child grow seems to be a favorite pastime of most parents. We mark a child's height on the walls of our homes, and note where they rank in height in their classes each year. In some cases, though, parents may notice that a child is not growing as quickly as expected. A child may be shorter than classmates, or may still fit comfortably in clothing from last year or the year before.

On average, children grow ten inches in their first year, and 1.5-2 inches every year from ages 2-10. Growth outside this range may be a normal variance, but it can also indicate a condition that requires medical attention.

There are many causes of growth disorders in children. Certain genetic or hormonal disorders, as well as certain diseases can keep children from growing normally. Sometimes growth disorders can be detected very early, even in a child's first year, and sometimes they are not recognizable until later in childhood.

Understanding and treating children's growth disorders is a relatively new area of medicine, and one where major advances have been made. But it is also an area where parents need a great deal of information and support, to help them recognize when a child is not growing normally, and then determine the causes and treatment options.

In many cases, treatment of growth disorders can help children achieve average or near-average height by adulthood. For all families who must address a child's growth disorder, there is important information and support available across the U.S.

If you would like free information about children's growth and how to recognize and get help for a growth disorder, go to http://www.hgfound.org or write to the Human Growth Foundation, 7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 202-S, Falls Church, VA 22043, or call (800) 451-6434.

Through chapters in 40 cities across the U.S., the Human Growth Foundation helps individuals with growth-related disorders, their families, and health care professionals through education, research and advocacy.(NAPSI)