Having the genetic condition Noonan Syndrome (NS) presents a wide range of challenges, particularly on the medical front. Over the years, I’ve experienced many of the health complications commonly associated with NS. However, I’ve been fortunate when it comes to physical features—many of the more visible traits are either subtle or have changed over time.
As a child, my shorter stature was more noticeable compared to my peers, but by my mid-teens, my growth had caught up, and I now appear to be of average height. Physically, I do have some characteristics associated with NS, such as a slightly different nose shape, a tendency to bruise more easily, and a lazy eye with reduced vision, which has meant wearing glasses for most of my life.
In addition to these features, I also experienced some developmental delays, which are common among individuals with Noonan Syndrome. These challenges have shaped my journey, but they’ve also given me a deeper understanding of resilience and self-acceptance.
Unfortunately, not all of my experiences were shaped by the condition itself. From the moment I stepped onto the school grounds in high school until I finally left in Year 11, I was relentlessly bullied. This was one of the most difficult periods of my life, and I open up more about it in my next blog post.
If you’re interested in learning more about the physical characteristics and the development issues of Noonan Syndrome, I’ve included a helpful link at the bottom of this page.
https://www.noonansyndrome.org.uk/faqs/puberty-growth
