Bill Summary
The resolution expresses support for designating October 9 through October 16, 2025, as "National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week." It aims to raise awareness about dyspraxia/DCD, a neurodevelopmental condition that affects motor skills without impacting cognition, impacting approximately 5 to 6 percent of the population in the United States. The resolution highlights the need for increased awareness among educators, healthcare professionals, and the general public, to improve diagnosis and treatment options for those affected, particularly in underserved communities. It acknowledges the challenges faced by individuals with the disorder, including co-occurring conditions and social-emotional issues, while emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support. The resolution calls for collective efforts to promote understanding and improve resources for individuals with dyspraxia/DCD.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the legislation regarding "National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week" could affect people:
1. **Increased Awareness and Understanding**: The designation of a specific week for raising awareness about dyspraxia/DCD will help educate the general public, including parents, educators, and healthcare professionals, about the disorder. This increased awareness may lead to better recognition of symptoms, resulting in more timely diagnoses and interventions for affected individuals. For instance, teachers may become more attuned to the signs of dyspraxia in students, enabling them to provide appropriate support in the classroom.
2. **Improved Access to Resources and Services**: By emphasizing the need for well-trained healthcare and school-based professionals, the resolution aims to enhance the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic services for individuals with dyspraxia/DCD. This could lead to the establishment of more specialized programs and resources, particularly in underserved communities, thereby improving access to necessary therapies (such as physical, occupational, and speech therapies) that can help those with the disorder manage their symptoms effectively.
3. **Reduction of Stigma and Social Isolation**: The recognition of National Dyspraxia/DCD Awareness Week can help diminish the stigma associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. As public awareness grows, individuals with dyspraxia/DCD may feel more accepted and understood, reducing feelings of social isolation and improving their mental health outcomes. This can foster a more supportive environment both at school and in the workplace, allowing individuals to thrive despite the challenges posed by their condition.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 796 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 796
Expressing support for the designation of October 9 through October 16,
2025, as ``National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Awareness Week'' and a commitment to raise awareness of dyspraxia/DCD
in the United States.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
October 8, 2025
Mr. Lawler (for himself and Mr. Gottheimer) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of October 9 through October 16,
2025, as ``National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Awareness Week'' and a commitment to raise awareness of dyspraxia/DCD
in the United States.
Whereas developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also referred to as
dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental condition that does not affect
cognition, but affects fine and gross motor skills such as balance,
coordination, and manual dexterity;
Whereas, according to the National Institutes of Health, dyspraxia/DCD is a
lifelong disorder;
Whereas dyspraxia/DCD is as common as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) and affects approximately 5 to 6 percent of the population
(approximately 20,000,000, or 1 in 20, Americans), yet is unfamiliar to
many parents, teachers, and health care professionals and is
consequently underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and largely untreated;
Whereas there is a need to spread awareness among educators and employers about
the disorder and for well-trained health care and school-based
professionals capable of conducting proper diagnosis and treatment;
Whereas there is no cure for dyspraxia/DCD, but it can be managed through
various types of therapies (speech, physical, and occupational therapies
as well as mental health counseling);
Whereas there has been little research of this condition in the United States
compared with many other developed countries, which has led to a lack of
diagnostic and treatment services for individuals affected by dyspraxia/
DCD in this country;
Whereas individuals with dyspraxia/DCD often experience symptoms related to
speech production and intelligibility, attention, processing speed, and
executive functioning (planning, organizing, and time management), and
it commonly co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental disorders including
ADHD and learning disorders;
Whereas dyspraxia/DCD profoundly affects quality of life and presents
significant challenges at school and in the workplace that can be
mitigated with early diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate support at
home, school, and work;
Whereas secondary consequences of undiagnosed dyspraxia/DCD often include
social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues including low
self-esteem, social isolation, anxiety, and depression; and
Whereas low-income and minority communities are particularly underserved by
existing dyspraxia/DCD resources: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the need for greater public awareness of
dyspraxia/developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and commits
to supporting these efforts;
(2) expresses support for the designation of ``National
Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness
Week'';
(3) supports the goals of ``National Dyspraxia/
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week'',
which are to raise awareness of dyspraxia/DCD among the general
public, improve services and care for persons affected by
dyspraxia/DCD, and accelerate research on dyspraxia/DCD;
(4) recognizes individuals with dyspraxia/DCD and their
families who face challenges due to their diagnosis; and
(5) encourages States, territories, and localities to
support the goals of ``National Dyspraxia/Developmental
Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week''.
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