What real medical condition, shared with actor Gaten Matarazzo, does Dustin have in "Stranger Things"?

The medical condition shared by Dustin Henderson and actor Gaten Matarazzo is cleidocranial dysplasia. The rare genetic disorder primarily affects the development of bones and teeth, which explains Dustin’s distinctive dental characteristics in Stranger Things.

Cleidocranial dysplasia can involve underdeveloped or absent collarbones, delayed closure of skull bones, short stature, and delayed eruption of permanent teeth. Its effects vary widely, so not every person with the condition has the same features.

Matarazzo was born with cleidocranial dysplasia, and the Duffer Brothers incorporated it into Dustin’s character after casting him. The storyline helped make the condition more familiar to viewers, while Matarazzo has used his public platform to raise awareness and support organizations serving people who need dental and oral surgeries.

A common mix-up is assuming Dustin’s lisp or teeth are simply character traits. In the show, they are connected to the same condition Matarazzo has in real life. The disorder is also called cleidocranial dysostosis.