Embracing differences: Sophie Turner’s journey with dwarfism, advocacy, and self-identity
October 2024In this interview, conducted by Concha Mayo, EURORDIS’ Mental Health & Wellbeing Engagement Manager, Sophie Turner offers a candid reflection on her life with achondroplasia.
Sophie shares with Concha the challenges she’s faced throughout her life, from societal stigma and childhood struggles, to navigating a successful career across continents.
Through her story, Sophie highlights the importance of mental health advocacy and the resilience required to embrace one’s identity in a world that often misunderstands physical differences.

Sophie Turner’s testimony
Navigating life and the journey through perceptions
I live with a rare condition called achondroplasia – the most common form of dwarfism. It falls under the category of skeletal dysplasia, which essentially means I am shorter in stature. While my torso is roughly the same length as that of someone without achondroplasia, my arms and legs are shorter. Unlike many other rare conditions, dwarfism typically does not involve additional impairments; our height is what distinguishes us.
However, societal attitudes can create significant barriers, often leading to a sense of being “societally disabled.” Having lived in Australia, America, and now Europe, I’ve observed notable differences in how people with dwarfism are treated. In Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, this has been especially challenging. Some individuals lack an understanding of the condition and perceive me as not disabled enough, while others view me as different or strange, which can be mentally exhausting.
Childhood realisations
Growing up, I developed thick skin because I faced bullying on the playground. I remember being a happy child, but there was a moment in early high school when everything changed. That moment was when we started having crushes and writing love notes. My friends were getting dates while I was not, and it hit me hard that I was not receiving the same attention. It was a painful realisation to feel the stigma associated with being “different,” when all I wanted was love and connection.
At 16, I had to undergo major surgery that took me out of school for most of the year, and I dropped out of high school. My parents were not equipped to provide the mental support I needed, which made things even harder.
Confronting stigma
Living with dwarfism, I have often faced the stigma that accompanies being perceived as “other.” Many people assume that my height defines my capabilities, leading to misconceptions about my intelligence and abilities. Unfortunately, dwarfism is often the last disability that is deemed unacceptable to mock, with negative representations frequently found in media and popular culture. This portrayal perpetuates harmful stereotypes and normalises ridicule, making it even more challenging for individuals like me to find acceptance. The stigma can manifest in subtle ways, from patronising comments to outright discrimination.
It becomes exhausting to constantly challenge these stereotypes and fight for my place in a world that often overlooks those who are different. By embracing my uniqueness and advocating for greater awareness, I strive to change these narratives and encourage understanding.
Gaining independence and facing societal attitudes
After leaving school, I saved money and moved out of my parents’ home. This mental and physical independence was a turning point in my life. Soon after, I was fortunate enough to secure a rare opportunity with the Australian government in Washington, D.C., giving me a firsthand experience of how different societies treat people living with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act provided a level of protections and acceptance I had not experienced before.
However, returning to Europe, especially in the Netherlands, I often face challenges due to different perceptions of disability, particularly in a more self-centred post-COVID world. Additionally, social media’s focus on superficial validation has made real connections harder. This led me to co-author a paper on how public exposure, such as being photographed or recorded without consent, impacts the mental health of those with rare conditions.
Finding balance: Advocacy, trauma, and the mental health journey
I am a strong advocate for mental health. I have learned that I have done nothing wrong; I am simply trying to live my life without drawing attention to myself. However, coping with bullying and harassment has forced me to change mentally, and I still avoid certain places because of past trauma. Some in my community think my advocacy draws too much attention, which is frustrating because we share similar hardships yet resist change together. Maintaining emotional balance has been another challenge; although I appear strong and resilient, leaning too far in any emotional direction can leave me feeling like an impostor or burnt out. It is more challenging to keep this balance than to simply manage day-to-day tasks.
Changing perspective
My perspective changed when I got a highly regarded job in America that I did not think I could get; it was life-changing for my self-identity. Being removed from my previous life allowed me to see things differently and realise my own power. Now, I am committed to using my experiences for advocacy work and educating others to fight the stigma associated with rare conditions and physical differences.
While things often do not change until we hit rock bottom, I am hopeful for the future and grateful for every opportunity to share my story and support others along their journeys.
Over the coming weeks and months, EURORDIS will be publishing further testimonies obtained from advocates living with a rare disease who have kindly shared with us their experiences of the impact of having a rare disease on mental wellbeing and their hopes for the future.
Visit our Mental Health & Wellbeing webpage to read upcoming articles from our series of testimonies.