This resolution expresses support for designating a National Dyspraxia/DCD Awareness Week to raise public awareness, improve services, and encourage research for individuals with Developmental Coordination Disorder.
Michael Lawler
Representative
NY-17
This resolution expresses support for designating a National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week to highlight this common, lifelong condition that affects motor skills. The bill aims to increase public awareness, encourage better support and diagnosis from professionals, and promote research for those affected by DCD. It recognizes the challenges faced by individuals with DCD and encourages nationwide efforts to improve understanding and resources.
Congress Backs Dyspraxia/DCD Awareness Week (Oct. 9-16, 2025) to Boost Support for Motor Skill Disorder
This resolution is a straightforward commitment from Congress to shine a spotlight on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), often called dyspraxia. It specifically supports designating October 9 through October 16, 2025, as “National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week.” While resolutions don't create new laws or funding, they serve as a powerful public signal, essentially telling the country, "Hey, pay attention to this."
The Coordination Gap: What DCD Actually Means
For the 5 to 6 percent of the population estimated to have DCD—which is roughly the same rate as ADHD—this resolution is a big deal. DCD is a lifelong neurological condition that affects motor skills, making things like tying shoes, riding a bike, handwriting, or even organizing a desk much harder. Crucially, the bill emphasizes that DCD doesn't affect intelligence; it's a coordination issue, not a cognitive one. The problem is that because awareness is low in the U.S., many people go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to secondary issues like anxiety and isolation.
Why This Matters for Parents and Professionals
The resolution is a clear acknowledgment that the current system is failing people with DCD. It notes a significant lack of research and resources compared to other developed nations, which directly impacts diagnosis and treatment availability. For a parent, this means the fight for adequate support in schools or access to specialized occupational therapy is often an uphill battle because many educators and healthcare providers simply aren't trained on DCD. The resolution calls for increased awareness among educators and employers, which could eventually lead to better workplace accommodations and more appropriate support plans in schools.
Addressing the Resource Divide
One of the most important points in the resolution is its focus on equity. It specifically highlights that low-income and minority communities are hit hardest by the lack of resources for DCD. This isn't just about awareness; it's about access. If professionals aren't trained, and resources aren't available, the people who can least afford private diagnosis and therapy are the ones who suffer the most. By encouraging states and local governments to support the awareness week, the resolution aims to kickstart conversations that could lead to better training programs for school nurses, teachers, and pediatricians, ultimately closing that resource gap.