Press Releases

Today, during National Dyspraxia/ Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness week, Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced legislation to help ensure healthcare coverage for children and adults struggling with dyspraxia/ DCD. Earlier this year, Representatives Lawler and Gottheimer 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.

The new bill, named the Gabriel Rosenberg Dyspraxia/DCD Coverage Act, establishes a GAO study to report to Congress on how dyspraxia/DCD treatment is currently covered by insurance and what barriers to coverage exist. Specifically, the report must include:

• Whether any coverage for dyspraxia/DCD treatment is provided under Medicare.
• Whether any coverage for dyspraxia/DCD treatment is provided under States’ Medicaid programs.
• Whether any coverage for dyspraxia/DCD treatment is provided under other Federal healthcare programs.
• The extent to which coverage for dyspraxia/DCD treatment is provided under group health plans and group and individual health insurance coverage.
• What types of such items and services are generally covered when coverage for dyspraxia/DCD treatment is available.
• Whether there are any age cutoffs that are imposed with respect to coverage of such items and services when such coverage is provided.
• Barriers to coverage of such items and services (such as a lack of providers of such items and services).
• Whether group health plans and group and individual health insurance coverage are generally in compliance with the requirements of section 2726 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–26).
• Whether children with dyspraxia fail to meet the diagnosis criteria for dyspraxia once becoming adults and therefore lose coverage for such items and services.
• Recommendations as to whether CMS should issue guidance regarding coverage of such items and services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
• Recommendations on how group health plans and group and individuals’ health insurance coverage may provide better coverage for such items and services.

The bill's namesake, Gabriel Rosenberg, was diagnosed with dyspraxia/ DCD at the age of three. His parents had noticed early on that he wasn't hitting his physical milestones. As an infant, he could not pull up, crawl or sit upright unassisted. Despite raising these concerns with their pediatrician, they were brushed off. After years of struggling to find support for their child, Gabriel's parents, Danielle and Sidney Rosenberg, founded The Spotlight Foundation for Dyspraxia and DCD in 2019, which was rebranded as “Dyspraxia DCD America” in 2023. Through this nonprofit, they have tirelessly advocated on behalf of and provided resources for many families struggling with dyspraxia/ DCD.

"Dyspraxia impacts nearly one in twenty Americans and roughly one student in every classroom across our nation," said Representative Lawler (NY-17). "My new bill with Congressman Gottheimer will determine what barriers currently exist to coverage for dyspraxia/ DCD so that we can work to ensure the needs of every American who struggles with this disorder are met."

"We must do more to provide support and hope to the millions of Americans who struggle every day to manage dyspraxia," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). " We know that individuals with dyspraxia are left largely untreated. Our new, bipartisan legislation will help close the coverage gap and ensure that children and adults struggling with this disorder have access to the care they need."

"On behalf of Dyspraxia DCD America, I am writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for the bipartisan leadership and commitment of Congressman Mike Lawler and Congressman Josh Gottheimer in proposing this bill to study insurance coverage of dyspraxia in the United States," said Danielle Rosenberg, founder of Dyspraxia DCD America. "This initiative represents a significant step forward in raising awareness and improving the lives of individuals affected by this often misunderstood life-long neurological condition. The bill, named in honor of Gabriel Rosenberg, holds special significance for our organization. Gabriel, is the son of the founders of the Organization, who was diagnosed with Dyspraxia early in life. Thanks to early diagnosis and access to essential services, Gabriel was able to overcome significant challenges, including learning to walk. His journey underscores the critical importance of awareness, timely diagnosis, and early intervention for individuals with Dyspraxia. Your efforts to bring attention to the need for comprehensive insurance coverage for Dyspraxia-related services are invaluable. By ensuring that individuals with Dyspraxia have access to the necessary resources and support, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all those affected by this condition. We are deeply appreciative of your dedication to this cause and your recognition of the importance of addressing the needs of the Dyspraxia community. Your work not only honors Gabriel’s legacy but also paves the way for countless others to receive the support they need to thrive."

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.