2026/05/19
Differences in growth and maturation among children are common. While some children might grow taller than their peers during primary school, others may experience a growth spurt later.
However, it is important to differentiate between normal variations in growth and growth disorders, which can cause significantly slower or faster growth compared to other children of the same age.
Growth disorders can be due to a variety of underlying issues. While many children with below-average or average height are healthy, others may have underlying conditions affecting growth. These include:
Chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders Hormonal system disorders, including issues of growth hormone secretion Bone disorders Chronic diseases affecting the various body systems
Identifying and treating these conditions early can help children reach their full growth potential.
Children whose height falls between the 3rd and 97th percentile and who maintain a consistent growth rate are typically considered to have normal growth patterns, especially if the height percentile is within the expected for the parental height. However, a child with a slowing rate of growth (less than 4 cm per year for a school-going child) might have a growth disorder and should be evaluated for possible growth hormone deficiency.
A clinical assessment (incorporating a doctor’s interview and physical check) is usually done, with measurements of height done and compared against the parental height. If needed, further tests, including a bone age X-ray, blood tests including a growth hormone stimulation test may be conducted to determine the underlying cause for the poor growth.
Treatment varies based on the underlying cause. Growth hormone therapy is an option for certain conditions such as:
Growth hormone deficiency Turner Syndrome Chronic renal failure Intrauterine growth retardation Prader-Willi Syndrome Idiopathic short stature.
A child's maximum growth potential is influenced by genetics, diet, sleep and physical activity. To support optimal growth, ensure your child consumes a balanced diet and gets sufficient sleep and exercise.
Continued clinical research is essential for advancing paediatric healthcare. Our doctors are committed to contributing to the future of child health and medicine through both clinical practice and research.
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Zhou Y, Aris IM, Tan SS, Cai S, Tint MT, Krishnaswamy G, . . . Lee YS (2015). Sleep duration and growth outcomes across the first two years of life in the GUSTO study. Sleep Medicine, 16(10):1281-6. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2015.07.006 Lee YS (2007). Recent indications for growth hormone therapy. Paediatrics, Child and Adolescent Health, 47:48-51.
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