Rockland Reporter

Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced a resolution today to designate October 9 through October 16 as "National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week."

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting fine and gross motor skills, including balance, coordination, and manual dexterity. Despite being as common as ADHD and impacting approximately 5 to 6 percent of the population, dyspraxia remains largely unfamiliar to many parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals. This lack of awareness often leads to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.

"Dyspraxia impacts nearly one in twenty Americans and roughly one student in every classroom across our nation," said Rep. Lawler. "Yet despite its ubiquity, many Americans have never heard of it. By designating National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week, we commit ourselves to increasing awareness about this condition impacting so many, improving services and care for those affected, and ensuring all individuals diagnosed with dyspraxia are able to live normal, healthy lives."

"We must do more to provide support and hope to the millions of Americans who struggle every day managing dyspraxia," added Rep. Gottheimer. "Together, with this bipartisan legislation, we are united in our efforts to raise awareness, improve care for patients, and rapidly accelerate research to develop more effective treatments."

Danielle Rosenberg, Founder and Executive Director of Dyspraxia DCD America expressed gratitude for the initiative: "We are profoundly grateful to Congressman Michael Lawler and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for their vital support of the federal resolution to establish National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness week." She emphasized that this recognition is a significant step forward for the American population affected by this permanent neurological disorder.

"The ability to effectively communicate is a human right that should be accessible and achievable for all," stated 2024 ASHA President Tena McNamara. "The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association appreciates the leadership displayed by Representatives Lawler and Gottheimer in highlighting conditions that make it difficult for people to express themselves."

Congressman Lawler is noted as one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress representing New York's 17th Congressional District.