World Cerebral Palsy Day: Standing Together in Awareness and Inclusion
Every year on October 6, people around the globe recognize World Cerebral Palsy Day—a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of individuals living with cerebral palsy (CP) and to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and research.
At the DTDS Foundation, this day also holds special meaning. Many children with Dopamine Transporter Deficiency Syndrome (DTDS) experience motor challenges that can resemble those seen in CP, including:
Differences in muscle tone (such as stiffness or low tone)
Difficulty with movement and coordination
The need for mobility supports like wheelchairs, walkers, or standers
Challenges with speech, feeding, and daily activities
Because of these overlapping symptoms, it’s not uncommon for children with DTDS to first be misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy, sometimes for many years, before genetic testing reveals the true cause: mutations in the SLC6A3 gene. This overlap can make early diagnosis challenging, but it also underscores the importance of raising awareness about both conditions.
Why This Connection Matters
While DTDS and CP are distinct conditions, the shared experiences highlight how important it is to build bridges between rare and more common neurological communities. By learning from one another, families and advocates can:
Share strategies for supporting children’s mobility and independence
Strengthen calls for inclusive classrooms and accessible public spaces
Encourage research that benefits children with complex motor disorders
How You Can Join In
Show support online by sharing posts for World CP Day and raising awareness.
Advocate locally for accessibility and inclusion in schools, playgrounds, and community spaces.
Explore resources at worldcpday.org and cerebralpalsyguide.com to learn more about CP and support families navigating similar challenges.
Stand with families in the CP and DTDS communities by amplifying their stories and celebrating every achievement.
Together, We’re Stronger
On this World CP Day, we stand with the cerebral palsy community and with all families navigating neurological conditions that impact movement and independence. By working together, we can create a world where every child—whether living with CP, DTDS, or another condition—has the opportunity to thrive.