[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1356 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1356

Expressing support for the designation of October 9 through October 16, 
2024, as ``National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) 
 Awareness Week'' and a commitment to raise awareness of dyspraxia/DCD 
                         in the United States.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 11, 2024

  Mr. Lawler (for himself and Mr. Gottheimer) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing support for the designation of October 9 through October 16, 
2024, as ``National Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) 
 Awareness Week'' and a commitment to raise awareness of dyspraxia/DCD 
                         in the United States.

Whereas developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also referred to as 
        dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental condition that does not affect 
        cognition, but affects fine and gross motor skills such as balance, 
        coordination, and manual dexterity;
Whereas, according to the National Institutes of Health, dyspraxia/DCD is a 
        lifelong disorder;
Whereas dyspraxia/DCD is as common as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 
        (ADHD) and affects approximately 5 to 6 percent of the population 
        (approximately 20,000,000, or 1 in 20, Americans), yet is unfamiliar to 
        many parents, teachers, and health care professionals and is 
        consequently underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and largely untreated;
Whereas there is a need to spread awareness among educators and employers about 
        the disorder and for well-trained health care and school-based 
        professionals capable of conducting proper diagnosis and treatment;
Whereas there is no cure for dyspraxia/DCD, but it can be managed through 
        various types of therapies (speech, physical, and occupational therapies 
        as well as mental health counseling);
Whereas there has been little research of this condition in the United States 
        compared with many other developed countries, which has led to a lack of 
        diagnostic and treatment services for individuals affected by dyspraxia/
        DCD in this country;
Whereas individuals with dyspraxia/DCD often experience symptoms related to 
        speech production and intelligibility, attention, processing speed, and 
        executive functioning (planning, organizing, and time management), and 
        it commonly co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental disorders including 
        ADHD and learning disorders;
Whereas dyspraxia/DCD profoundly affects quality of life and presents 
        significant challenges at school and in the workplace that can be 
        mitigated with early diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate support at 
        home, school, and work;
Whereas secondary consequences of undiagnosed dyspraxia/DCD often include 
        social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues including low 
        self-esteem, social isolation, anxiety, and depression; and
Whereas low-income and minority communities are particularly underserved by 
        existing dyspraxia/DCD resources: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the need for greater public awareness of 
        dyspraxia/developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and commits 
        to supporting these efforts;
            (2) expresses support for the designation of ``National 
        Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness 
        Week'';
            (3) supports the goals of ``National Dyspraxia/
        Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week'', 
        which are to raise awareness of dyspraxia/DCD among the general 
        public, improve services and care for persons affected by 
        dyspraxia/DCD, and accelerate research on dyspraxia/DCD;
            (4) recognizes individuals with dyspraxia/DCD and their 
        families who face challenges due to their diagnosis; and
            (5) encourages States, territories, and localities to 
        support the goals of ``National Dyspraxia/Developmental 
        Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week''.
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