Press Releases

Today, Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced a resolution expressing support for the designation of October 9 through October 16 as ‘‘National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week.’’

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also referred to as dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects fine and gross motor skills such as balance, coordination, and manual dexterity. While dyspraxia is as common as ADHD and affects approximately 5 to 6 percent of the population, it is unfamiliar to many parents, teachers, and health care professionals. This leads individuals with dyspraxia to go underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and largely untreated. That is why raising awareness right now is key.

"Dyspraxia impacts nearly one in twenty Americans and roughly one student in every classroom across our nation," said Rep. Lawler (NY-17). "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," said Rep. Gottheimer (NJ-05). "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."

"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," said Danielle Rosenberg, Founder and Executive Director of Dyspraxia DCD America. "This significant national recognition is a tremendous stride forward for the 5-6 percent of the American population affected by this permanent neurological disorder.  By designating a week to raise awareness of Dyspraxia/DCD, we are fostering a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of the challenges faced by those with this condition.  The passing of this resolution is anticipated to yield notable positive outcomes, including heightened public awareness, improved services and care for individuals affected by Dyspraxia/DCD, and enhanced opportunities for research and funding.  These advancements are crucial in ensuring that those living with Dyspraxia/DCD receive the support and recognition they rightfully deserve.  Your advocacy and endorsement play a pivotal role in promoting awareness and fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with Dyspraxia/DCD. Thank you for championing this important cause."

“The ability to effectively communicate is a human right that should be accessible and achievable for all,” said 2024 ASHA President Tena McNamara, AuD, CCC-A/SLP. “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, and supports efforts to improve coverage and reimbursement for services provided by audiologists and speech-language pathologists that facilitate early diagnosis and interventions for conditions like dyspraxia that may adversely impact communication.”

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.