Welcome to Dyslexia A2ZI’m Maria Chivers — author, advocate, and neurodiversity specialist with over 35 years’ experience. Dyslexia A2Z offers clear, practical information and tools to help children and adults with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, dyspraxia, and related learning differences thrive at home, school, and beyond. Find Out More
International Dysgraphia Awareness Day 2026
A Call for Support for Our 5th Anniversary Year
This year marks the 5th International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD), which will take place on Monday, 5th October 2026.
Over the past five years, IDAD has grown into an important annual event, raising awareness, understanding, and support for those living with dysgraphia.
I had hoped to make this 5th year especially meaningful.
However, due to serious ongoing health issues and several periods in hospital during the past year, I am sadly no longer able to organise the event in the way I normally would.
Rather than let this much-needed awareness day end, I am reaching out to ask for support from our wider community.
Proposed Direction for IDAD 2026
For our 5th-anniversary year, I would love the focus to remain on the importance of handwriting through play, confidence, and inclusion, while celebrating the progress made over the last 5 years.
Proposed Theme
Every Writer’s Voice
Celebrating 5 Years of Awareness, Play and Progress
Possible ideas for this year may include:
If you would like to help shape this year’s event, whether by sharing ideas, supporting planning, or helping promote the day, your support would be warmly welcomed.
Together, I hope we can continue this important work.
Thank you so much for your continued support 💙💛
#IDAD2026 #Dysgraphia #Neurodiversity #SEND #Handwriting #Inclusion #writing #writingproblems #dyslexia #dyscalculia #dyspraxia #DCD
www.dylexiaa2z.com
Writing by hand is more than putting letters on paper; it connects motor skills, memory and expression. Through our awareness campaigns (including International Dysgraphia Awareness Day), we invite schools, parents and children to explore the joy of writing, even when writing feels hard.
Check out how simple puzzles can really help with handwriting.
· Strengthen fine motor skills – build finger muscles for pencil grip
· Improve eye–hand coordination – copying shapes and letters
· Develop spatial awareness – letter orientation & spacing (e.g., b vs d)
· Boost focus and perseverance – staying on task during writing
Encourage
“Puzzles are a playful yet practical bridge into handwriting.
They build the finger strength, coordination, spatial skills, and focus that underpin confident writing.”
Please see the company below; they are excellent.
Childcare & Education Expo London
Childcare & Education Expo London is taking place next week, so this is your final reminder of everything you can’t miss out on.
Join thousands of early years professionals and SEND specialists at Olympia London – for the must-attend event for anyone looking to discover new ideas, resources and approaches, boost their professional development or grow their early years business.
Friday 20th & Saturday 21st March 2026.
Alli Can’t Write: A Storybook for Children with
Handwriting Difficulties — and a Guide for Adults Who Want to Help
Alli Can’t Write is a heartfelt, two-part book combining a charming illustrated story for children with a powerful resource section for adults. Created by acclaimed neurodiversity advocate Maria Chivers, this book speaks directly to children struggling with handwriting, especially those with dysgraphia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and similar learning differences.
In the children’s section, we meet Alli-Gator, a bright and imaginative young alligator who loves school but becomes withdrawn when he’s told his writing is “sloppy” and unreadable. Despite his best efforts, Alli can’t seem to get his thoughts on paper. With the help of his supportive Mummy and Daddy-Gator, a kind school psychologist named Dr. Dolphin, and a thoughtful teacher, Alli begins to understand that his difficulties have a name, dysgraphia, and that he’s far from alone. Through games, special strategies, and lots of encouragement, Alli learns to work with his challenges and find joy in expressing himself again.
The story is rich with humour, empathy, and unforgettable characters, including Skunky, Hoppy and Jumpy the opossums, and the ever-patient Miss Snake. Set in the vibrant Florida Everglades and featuring endangered animals, the story not only entertains but also raises awareness of ecological issues.
The second part of the book is a comprehensive guide for adults, parents, teachers, and professionals, offering expert insights into identifying and supporting children with handwriting difficulties.
Topics include:
Positive Dyslexia Assistive Technology Showcase |
Holiday Inn Liverpool – City Centre, an IHG HotelLiverpool, England
Holiday Inn Liverpool – City Centre, an IHG HotelLiverpool, England
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