What condition does Natalia Grace Barnett have?

Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian orphan who was adopted on April 26, 2010, by Michael and Kristine Barnett was born with a form of dwarfism known as spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, or SEDc.

SEDc patients have skeletal abnormalities that primarily affect the spine and long bones of the arms and legs.

While people with SEDc may have a normal-sized head, feet, and hands, their legs, arms, and spine are shortened. They may also have hearing and vision problems, as well as joint and musculoskeletal problems.

Although the Barnett family initially thought Natalia was six years old when they adopted her in 2010, it turns out she was actually 21 years old.

Her birth date was believed to be September 4, 2003, but forensic evidence presented to Marion County Superior Court concluded she was born on September 4, 1989.

For years, Natalia was able to deceive the Barnetts and those around her because of her medical condition.

Michael and Kristine were able to legally change Natalia’s birth certificate from 2003 to 1989. Natalia, on the other hand, maintains that she was a child when the Barnetts adopted her.