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.

Bill Number

H.Res. 796

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2025-12-15T16:46:05Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 796) aims to express congressional support for designating October 9 through October 16, 2025, as "National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week." It seeks to raise public awareness about dyspraxia/DCD, a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts motor skills but not intelligence, and to encourage better diagnosis, treatment, and support for those affected.

Key Provisions

• Background on the Condition: The resolution outlines that dyspraxia/DCD is a lifelong disorder affecting 5-6% of the U.S. population (about 1 in 20 Americans), comparable to ADHD in prevalence. It impairs fine and gross motor skills (e.g., balance, coordination, handwriting) and often co-occurs with issues like speech difficulties, attention problems, and executive functioning challenges (e.g., planning and organizing). It is underdiagnosed and undertreated due to limited awareness among parents, teachers, and healthcare providers, with even less research and services in the U.S. compared to other countries.
• Management and Challenges: There is no cure, but therapies (speech, physical, occupational) and mental health support can help. Untreated cases lead to secondary issues like low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and social isolation, especially in school and work settings. Low-income and minority communities face greater barriers to resources.
• Congressional Actions:
• Recognizes the need for greater public awareness and commits to supporting these efforts.
• Expresses support for the designated Awareness Week.
• Endorses the week's goals: increasing general public knowledge, improving services and care, and advancing research on dyspraxia/DCD.
• Acknowledges the challenges faced by individuals with the disorder and their families.
• Encourages states, territories, and local governments to promote the week's objectives.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements. It serves as a symbolic statement of support rather than amending any statutes.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Could increase awareness, leading to earlier diagnosis and better access to therapies, potentially improving quality of life for the estimated 20 million affected Americans, including reduced mental health issues from undiagnosed cases. Families, educators, and employers may become more supportive in schools and workplaces.
• On Government Agencies: No direct mandates, but it may encourage federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health to prioritize research funding or awareness campaigns. State and local governments are urged to participate, possibly influencing education and health programs.
• On International Relations: Minimal impact, though it highlights U.S. research gaps compared to other developed countries, potentially fostering future collaborations on global health initiatives.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Individuals with Dyspraxia/DCD and Their Families: Primary beneficiaries through potential improved diagnosis, treatment, and reduced stigma.
• Educators and Employers: Encouraged to learn about the disorder to provide better accommodations in schools and workplaces.
• Healthcare and School Professionals: Need for training to improve diagnosis and therapy services, especially in underserved low-income and minority communities.
• Researchers and Advocacy Groups: Supported in efforts to expand U.S.-based studies and resources.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval; it is purely advisory and symbolic.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in raising awareness on public health issues under its general welfare powers, without infringing on individual rights.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Representatives Lawler and Gottheimer) for neurodevelopmental disorders, potentially building momentum for future funding or legislation on under-researched conditions. It emphasizes equity for underserved communities, which could influence health policy debates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-10-08: Submitted in House
• 2025-10-08: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• 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. — issued 2025-10-08 — PDF (4 pages)