The videos from our recent Dysgraphia Awareness Day are now available to view. (There is only one left to be added and will be completed shortly. I thank you for your patience and understanding.)
✨ Inspiring voices for International Dysgraphia Awareness Day ✨
Dr Helen Ross, founder of Helen’s Place, is an educational research consultant, assessor, and SEND specialist. The author of Literacy Learning Journeys, she chairs the Wiltshire Dyslexia Association and teaches at the University of Birmingham. Helen collaborates internationally, advising governments, organisations, and educators on dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.
Munira Adenwalla (she/her) is a London-based Paediatric Occupational Therapist with 27 years’ experience. She founded The No Writing Way™ and Foundations for Writing to help parents support children’s sensory, motor, and emotional skills for confident writing. Munira’s approach combines brain science with parental intuition to nurture joyful, resilient learners.
Olive Hickmott is a Forensic Health and Learning Coach and author of The Elephants in the Classroom. Drawing on her lived experience of dyslexia and ADHD, she created Empowering Learning to help neurodivergent students harness their strengths in mental imagery. She is also the architect of the New Perspectives series.
Mark Stewart, is the proprietor of Left n Write in Worcester, has championed left-handed learning for over 30 years. Co-author of handwriting guides and training resources, he contributed to the UK’s 2025 Writing Framework. He also founded LEFT-IN.org, a global network improving education for left-handed children across 16 countries.
Enid Webb, founder of Silver Linings Educational Services, is an educator and advocate with expertise in speech pathology, audiology, and literacy. Drawing on her own experience with dysgraphia, she has spent over 25 years empowering students and training teachers, developing inclusive strategies that build confidence, writing skills, and educational equity.
Diane Devenyi, Founder of The Learning Force, is a former lawyer turned global literacy innovator with 25+ years’ experience addressing dysgraphia. Through joyful, multisensory methods, she helps learners of all ages unlock writing and spelling skills. Diane leads Project 111K, reframing dysgraphia as a solvable puzzle, not a lifelong barrier.
My name is Joshua Miller, and I am the General Manager at Happy Puzzle. We are the UK’s market leaders in providing family puzzles and games.
Watch Maria’s Presentation (sorry, not available yet)
Maria Chivers is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, with over 35 years of experience raising awareness of dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder – DCD). Her journey began as a parent when both her children experienced learning challenges, inspiring her lifelong commitment to understanding and supporting those with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs).
Watch Julia & Nicola’s Presentation
Julia Clouter, Global Head of Education at Empowering Tech, has 25 years’ experience in teaching, SEN, and literacy. Formerly a SENCo and Dyslexia Specialist, she now develops resources and training in assistive technology. An international speaker, writer, and ambassador for Succeed With Dyslexia, she champions inclusion and literacy worldwide.
Watch Nicola & Julia’s Presentation
Nicola Durrant, founder and CEO of SEND Station, is an Educational Consultant, Advisor, and Specialist Teacher with over 20 years’ SEND experience. A qualified dyslexia assessor with a Master’s in Autism, she delivers global training, authors literacy interventions, and champions affordable, practical support for children with diverse learning needs.
Watch Kelli’s Presentation (sorry, not available yet)
Kelli Fetter is a Certified Handwriting Specialist and the founder of Handwriting Solutions, LLC, a global provider of handwriting, reading, and spelling tutoring. Her practice is known for its top-tier assessment process, individualized remediation plans, and innovative virtual 1:1 intervention as well as small group camps that engage students while accelerating progress. Through her work, Kelli partners with families worldwide to unlock children’s potential in literacy, handwriting, and written expression.
Ayanwole Boluwatife Joshua is a renowned Neurodiversity Advocate and expert in Africa, dedicated to championing awareness and inclusion for neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and Twice Exceptionality (2e). As a U35 ION Global Youth Ambassador and pioneer of the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) – Nigeria, he has worked tirelessly to promote Autism awareness and support neurodivergent individuals across the continent.
Jennifer C. King, PhD is increasing awareness and catalyzing research for people impacted by dysgraphia. She is President and Founder of Dysgraphia Life, an expert speaker, a research scientist, a family member to people with learning disabilities in written expression, and a vocal advocate. She founded Dysgraphia Life to raise awareness of dysgraphia while providing information, support, and resources to people with writing difficulties and their loved ones.
Watch Suzanne’s Presentation (sorry, not available yet)
Suzanne Baxter, a retired Mental Health Facilitator from Swindon, UK, brings over 20 years’ experience supporting individuals of all ages. She has delivered 250+ workshops, including Mental Health First Aid, and co-developed school wellbeing programmes. A mother and grandmother, she now supports International Dysgraphia Awareness Day initiatives.
Dr Helen Ross, founder of Helen’s Place, is an educational research consultant, assessor, and SEND specialist. The author of Literacy Learning Journeys, she chairs the Wiltshire Dyslexia Association and teaches at the University of Birmingham. Helen collaborates internationally, advising governments, organisations, and educators on dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.
Dr Helen Ross is an independent educational research consultant, specialist assessor, and SEND expert. Her recent book Literacy Learning Journeys: An Educator’s Guide to Dyslexia, Aged 0-18 sold out on Amazon within a day of publication, and continues to generate a buzz online.
She chairs the Wiltshire Dyslexia Association and serves on the board of the US-based National Coalition of Independent Scholars. Helen has consulted for the British Dyslexia Association, the UK Government’s Committee for Science and Technology, and Wiltshire Local Authority. She collaborates internationally with third-sector and commercial organisations on evaluation, consultancy, and resource development.
Affiliated with Liverpool John Moores University, she led a project in 2024 and is currently seeking further funding. She is also a part-time Assistant Professor at the University of Birmingham, working in the School of Education on the Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties course.
Helen is active on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, frequently speaking on dyslexia and special educational needs.
Contact Information
Organisation: Helen’s Place
Website: www.helensplace
Tel:
Email: [email protected]
Address: Trowbridge
Munira Adenwalla (she/her) is a London-based Paediatric Occupational Therapist with 27 years’ experience. She founded The No Writing Way™ and Foundations for Writing to help parents support children’s sensory, motor, and emotional skills for confident writing. Munira’s approach combines brain science with parental intuition to nurture joyful, resilient learners.
Munira Adenwalla (she/her), helps parents help their children move, learn, play, and feel comfortable in their bodies and nervous system by supporting their sensory processing, emotional wellbeing, and coordination.
Munira created The No Writing Way™ and the Foundations for Writing parent group program to guide parents in building the underlying sensory, motor, and emotional skills that help kids write with ease, joy and confidence…….without using drills or worksheets. She offers 1:1 parent consultations, workshops, and parent group programs.
Munira’s approach is grounded in brain science while also honouring parents’ gut instinct and children’s own intuition. She believes that combining parents’ intuition with her knowledge and experience creates the biggest impact.
Contact Information
You can find her at:
www.facebook.com/groups/helpingkidswrite
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ot4kidsltd
Website: www.ot4kids.co.uk
https://linktr.ee/ot4kids
Organisation: OT 4 Kids
Email: [email protected]
London, UK.
Olive Hic
kmott
Olive Hickmott is a Forensic Health and Learning Coach and author of The Elephants in the Classroom. Drawing on her lived experience of dyslexia and ADHD, she created Empowering Learning to help neurodivergent students harness their strengths in mental imagery. She is also the architect of the New Perspectives series.
Olive Hickmott is a Forensic Health and Learning Coach. A reformed Dyslexic and ADHDer, she created Empowering Learning to enable highly creative, imaginative, neurodivergent students to learn most effectively for them, that is, typically through their strengths of mental imagery. She is the architect of the New Perspectives series of personal development books and author of The Elephants in the Classroom, Bridges to Success, Seeing Spells Achieving, You too can ‘do’ Health, Recover your energy,
Empowering Learning has trained an international network of practitioners based on the Visual Pedagogy and Curriculum for Visual Thinkers, which now incorporates the Early Years.
The Empowering Learning Techniques are built on research from observations, modelling, and neuroscience to offer parents, teachers, and children simple processes to follow that will dramatically improve spelling, reading, handwriting, comprehension and concentration. You are welcome to call me for a complimentary chat about your requirements, join one of our free group coaching calls, or schedule one-on-one coaching.
Contact Details
Telephone: 07970-854388
Website: www.empoweringlearning.co.uk
The learning platform: https://www.visualkids.co.uk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OliveHickmott
Skype: olivehickmott
Twitter: www.twitter.com/olivehickmott
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/olivehickmott
Facebook: www.facebook.com/olive.hickmott and www.facebook.com/empoweringlearning
Blog: www.olivehickmott.co.uk
Mark Stewart, is the proprietor of Left n Write in Worcester, has championed left-handed learning for over 30 years. Co-author of handwriting guides and training resources, he contributed to the UK’s 2025 Writing Framework. He also founded LEFT-IN.org, a global network improving education for left-handed children across 16 countries.
Mark is proprietor of ‘Left n Write’ in Worcester and has a left-handed son. He has been running this business for over 30 years!
In July 2025 he had input into the new Writing Framework, published by the DfE, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-writing-framework, specifically on handwriting for left-handed children.
In April, his interactive training video pack ‘Left-Handed Children – A Guide for Teachers and Parents’ was certified by The CPD Certification Service.
He has co-written the ‘Left Hand Writing Skills’ set of 3 Handwriting practice books as well as the “So You Think They’re Left-Handed?” book with his wife, Heather, and designed the ‘Writewell’ mat.
He also co-designed 2 x A3 posters, one on handwriting for left-handed children for use in the classroom and the 2nd one on handwriting and other issues for Teachers to have in their staffroom. These have been translated into Portuguese and are in use in Brazil. Also now available in Australia.
In March 2021, he initiated the formation of LEFT-IN.org, a global interest group formed with the aim to improve the information and education available to the educators of left-handed children around the world. It now has 22 members in 16 countries!
He has given his workshop to such groups as Childminders, Early Years Practitioners, LEA training groups, and Private and State schools over the past 25 years.
Contact Details
Mark & Heather Stewart Directors
Organisation: Left ‘n Write
By phone: +44 (0) 7747 605 107
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.leftshoponline.co.uk
Instagram: leftshoponline
Find us on: Facebook.com/LeftnWrite
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-stewart-52271020
Business Address: LEFT ‘n Write, c/o 105 High Street, Worcester, WR1 2HW. UK
** Please note: this is our registered business address and NOT a shop. We now only trade online. **
Enid Webb, founder of Silver Linings Educational Services, is an educator and advocate with expertise in speech pathology, audiology, and literacy. Drawing on her own experience with dysgraphia, she has spent over 25 years empowering students and training teachers, developing inclusive strategies that build confidence, writing skills, and educational equity.
Enid Webb is a passionate educator and dedicated advocate for students with learning disabilities, drawing from her personal experiences and professional background in speech pathology and audiology. Despite facing her own challenges in school, including dysgraphia, Enid persevered to achieve remarkable academic success, earning a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She then excelled in a highly competitive master’s program, solidifying her expertise in the field.
With 15 years of hands-on experience as a practicing speech pathologist and 25 years working in the field of literacy Enid has worked in diverse educational settings, co-teaching structured literacy from kindergarten through high school. Her commitment to empowering educators led her to train kindergarten and reading teachers in structured literacy, ensuring that her colleagues were equipped with effective strategies to support their students.
Enid’s role as an assistive technology evaluator and RTI facilitator provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the daily challenges teachers face, particularly those working with students who have dysgraphia. Recognizing the profound impact that writing struggles can have on a student’s self-esteem, she developed a writing-focused approach that promotes rapid progress in both writing and reading skills.
In her pursuit to further support struggling students, Enid founded Silver Linings Education Services, an organization dedicated to providing targeted interventions for students who are significantly behind. She also offers training, consultation, and collaboration with school districts to promote better educational outcomes.
Although she no longer practices speech pathology, Enid remains committed to her mission as an educator. She tirelessly advocates for students with learning disabilities, using her unique insights and experiences to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. Enid Webb is a true champion for educational equity, inspiring students and teachers alike to reach their fullest potential.
Contact Details
Address:
Email: SilverLiningsED.com
Website:
LinkedIn
Diane Devenyi, Founder of The Learning Force, is a former lawyer turned global literacy innovator with 25+ years’ experience addressing dysgraphia. Through joyful, multisensory methods, she helps learners of all ages unlock writing and spelling skills. Diane leads Project 111K, reframing dysgraphia as a solvable puzzle, not a lifelong barrier.
My name is Joshua Miller and I am the General Manager at Happy Puzzle. We are the UK’s market leaders in providing family puzzles and games. A high proportion of our range is available exclusively in the UK through The Happy Puzzle Company. Many are created by our in-house team of puzzle experts and top designers, whilst others are sourced exclusively from around the globe.
Contact Information
Name: General Manager – Joshua Miller
Organisation: Happy Puzzle
Address Wrexham
Website: About Happy Puzzle: Educational Puzzles & Games for All Ages
Email: Joshua Miller
Email: [email protected]
Address: Happy Puzzle Returns Department
Wrexham, LL13 9PQ
Maria Chivers is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, with over 35 years of experience raising awareness of dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder – DCD). Her journey began as a parent when both her children experienced learning challenges, inspiring her lifelong commitment to understanding and supporting those with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs).
In 1991, Maria founded the Swindon Dyslexia Centre, providing assessment and specialist tuition for children and adults. Later, she established Dyslexia A2Z, a comprehensive online resource offering guidance on dyslexia, dysgraphia, and wider neurodiverse conditions, including auditory processing difficulties and visual stress.
Maria herself is neurodivergent, living with both dyslexia and dyspraxia. This personal experience gives her a unique insight into the daily challenges faced by individuals and families. She is the author of several widely respected books, including Practical Strategies for Living with Dyslexia and the children’s title Alli Can’t Write, which helps raise awareness of dysgraphia in a relatable way for families and schools.
In 2021, Maria launched the first International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD), creating a global platform to highlight the impact of dysgraphia beyond handwriting difficulties. Now in its fourth year, IDAD continues to unite parents, educators, and professionals worldwide to promote understanding and empowerment for those with the condition.
Working closely with her mentor, Dr David Edward Cowell (until 2023, when he retired), Maria has helped shape definitions and frameworks that improve recognition of dysgraphia. Her work remains dedicated to ensuring that neurodiverse individuals are better understood, supported, and celebrated for their strengths as well as their challenges.
Contact Details
Organisation: Dyslexia A2Z.com & International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD)
Address: ,Swindon, Wiltshire. UK
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dyslexiaa2z.com & www.internationaldysgraphiaawarenessday.com
Julia Clouter, Global Head of Education at Empowering Tech, has 25 years’ experience in teaching, SEN, and literacy. Formerly a SENCo and Dyslexia Specialist, she now develops resources and training in assistive technology. An international speaker, writer, and ambassador for Succeed With Dyslexia, she champions inclusion and literacy worldwide.
My career spans 25 years in education, where I initially taught in mainstream secondary schools. Over time, my focus shifted to inclusion, Special Educational Needs (SEN), literacy, and behaviour management. I served as a SENCo, Dyslexia Specialist, and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in Pupil Referral Units across both secondary and primary phases. In 2019, I transitioned to the educational technology industry as Head of Education for Scanning Pens, where I developed educational materials and CPD-accredited training resources. During my time with Scanning Pens and Empowering Tech I have become an international speaker, writer, and active participant in research projects related to assistive technology and literacy development. I am also an ambassador for Succeed With Dyslexia.
Nicola Durrant, founder and CEO of SEND Station, is an Educational Consultant, Advisor, and Specialist Teacher with over 20 years’ SEND experience. A qualified dyslexia assessor with a Master’s in Autism, she delivers global training, authors literacy interventions, and champions affordable, practical support for children with diverse learning needs.
In 2020 Nicola co-founded SEND Station, an online training company specializing in affordable SEND training that enjoys an excellent reputation for providing first class practical SEND training. She is also the author of the phonics intervention strategy Literacy Junction.
Contact Details
Organisation: Julia Clouter (Global Head of Education, Empowering Tech)
Nicola Durrant (SEND Station)
Website:
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 20 3780 0813
Address: Scanning Pens, Bridge House Street, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 4HR, United Kingdom
Kelli Fetter is a Certified Handwriting Specialist and the founder of Handwriting Solutions, LLC, a global provider of handwriting, reading, and spelling tutoring. Her practice is known for its top-tier assessment process, individualized remediation plans, and innovative virtual 1:1 intervention as well as small group camps that engage students while accelerating progress. Through her work, Kelli partners with families worldwide to unlock children’s potential in literacy, handwriting, and written expression.
In addition to direct services, Kelli is a sought-after speaker and educator for teachers, therapists, and parents. She has presented at national and international conferences, sharing evidence-based strategies for supporting children with dysgraphia, dyslexia, and related learning differences. Kelli is also co-authoring a forthcoming textbook for occupational therapists on dysgraphia, further cementing her role as a leader in advancing the field.
Before founding Handwriting Solutions, Kelli practiced as an occupational therapist in pediatric outpatient care, early intervention, preschools, and private schools, as well as serving as an adjunct professor in pediatrics and kinesiology. She brings extensive advanced training in handwriting, dyslexia, and dysgraphia, along with a deep commitment to translating research into practice.
Kelli’s passion is deeply personal—fueled by her own daughter’s journey with dyslexia and dysgraphia. This lived experience drives her mission to empower parents, educators, and therapists with the tools and confidence they need to unlock every child’s potential.
Contact Information
Organisation: Handwriting Solutions
Website: www.handwritingsolutions.org
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: 755 Grand Boulevard,
Suite B105-351, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Video Here
Ayanwole Boluwatife Joshua is a renowned Neurodiversity Advocate and expert in Africa, dedicated to championing awareness and inclusion for neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and Twice Exceptionality (2e). As a U35 ION Global Youth Ambassador and pioneer of the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) – Nigeria, he has worked tirelessly to promote Autism awareness and support neurodivergent individuals across the continent.
Boluwatife’s strong presence on the global stage is evident in his recent speaking engagement at the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day (UNWAAD) 2025 celebration. A seasoned speaker, advocate, and writer, he has authored numerous articles and featured in various podcasts, sharing evidence-based therapeutic approaches to Autism and advocating for inclusivity.
Through his advocacy, Boluwatife has made a significant impact on the lives of neurodiverse individuals, particularly children on the autism spectrum. His influential voice has resonated across Africa and internationally, with speaking engagements in countries such as India, the United States, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom.
As a Special Education Needs professional, Boluwatife’s passion is rooted in helping the world see individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions with empathy and understanding. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, he looks forward to collaborating with global organizations and stakeholders to drive awareness and create positive change. With his youthful energy, passion, and dedication, he is open to opportunities worldwide, eager to make a lasting impact in the lives of neurodivergent individuals. His outstanding work in Neurodiversity has earned recognition, including a feature of Nigeria’s oldest daily, the Nigeria Tribune.
Contact Details
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Boluwatife Joshua (Frank.) Ayanwole, OSHP, HSEP, AICSP.
Website:
Suzanne Baxter, a retired Mental Health Facilitator from Swindon, UK, brings over 20 years’ experience supporting individuals of all ages. She has delivered 250+ workshops, including Mental Health First Aid, and co-developed school wellbeing programmes. A mother and grandmother, she now supports International Dysgraphia Awareness Day initiatives.
I worked in Mental Health for over 20 years before recently retiring. During my career, I held a variety of roles, including working as an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) on wards supporting individuals of all ages—from children through to older adults. I also managed a respite house and supported thousands of people in developing their own wellbeing plans.
In 2013, after completing the Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector qualification, I became increasingly involved in designing and delivering workshops focused on mental health and wellbeing. I facilitated numerous training sessions, including Mental Health First Aid for adults, and the Youth Mental Health First Aid course, aimed at those supporting young people aged 8 to 18.
I was also part of a core team that interviewed five local school headteachers to understand the mental health and wellbeing challenges faced in both primary and secondary settings. From that research, we developed a tailored “Five Ways to Wellbeing” programme, which we delivered across schools—adapting it to meet the unique needs of each school.
Before retiring as an international trainer, I had delivered over 250 courses and workshops, educating and raising awareness among thousands of adults and children.
Outside of my professional work, I’m a proud mother of four and “Grams” to seven wonderful grandchildren, several of whom are neurodivergent. For the past two years, I’ve supported Maria in her work, including the organisation and coordination of International Dysgraphia Days.
Contact Details
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/suzanne-baxter-bbaa0b1a0
Tel: None (email preferred)
Address: Swindon, Wiltshire. UK
Jennifer C. King, PhD is increasing awareness and catalyzing research for people impacted by dysgraphia. She is President and Founder of Dysgraphia Life, an expert speaker, a research scientist, a family member to people with learning disabilities in written expression, and a vocal advocate. She founded Dysgraphia Life to raise awareness of dysgraphia while providing information, support, and resources to people with writing difficulties and their loved ones.
Dr. King has co-authored a book on Dysgraphia IEPs along with over thirty scientific publications. She received a PhD in Biology from MIT and a BS from Duke and uses her scientific background to launch initiatives to build research capacity in the dysgraphia community, including leading two projects funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Dr. King spent two decades in oncology research and advocacy where she became a sought-after expert appearing in major media outlets, presenting globally, and advising influential organizations. She is now using those skills to improve the lives of people with writing difficulties.
Contact Information
Organisation: Dysgraphia Life
Website: https://www.dysgraphia.life/
Email: [email protected]
Address: Box 8038, Vienna, VA 22183
Sophia Bradley, Spike’s Sight Words
Spike’s Sight Words are award-winning educational board games designed to help children develop their reading and spelling skills. They focus on typical exceptions and high-frequency words in English and are excellent for those children who prefer a more fun, visual and engaging way to learn. They are very popular with the SEN community, such as those with dyslexia, and are now being used in schools and libraries across the UK. Nominated for a British Dyslexia Association Award and winner of the Best Education Support award, these educational board games provide children with a screen-free, fun, and visual way to learn. One of the most significant aspects and USP of these board games is that you, as an educator or parent, can choose your own designs from their website. So whether your child likes space, animals, football or pink unicorns – they have it! The games themselves are simple, where you roll a dice and make your way along a race-style track. The games are divided into Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced words, which means you can play them at any level.
Contact Details
Organisation: Spike’s Sight Words
Address: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.spikessightwords.com
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/spike-s-sight-words-a3a680243/
✨ Inspiring voices for International Dysgraphia Awareness Day ✨
Maria Chivers
11th October 2025
Dr. David, Edward Cowell, and Maria L. M. Chivers wrote the first definition of dysgraphia in the World in 2008 to help people understand it.
As more research was published during the next ten years, we updated it in 2019 to reflect our understanding.
‘Dysgraphia means having severe problems with handwriting, which is associated with extreme difficulty with fine motor skills and problems with the speed of processing – despite having a normal intellectual ability.’
by Dr David Edward Cowell & Maria Chivers *2019 ©
*Updated from 2008
In 2008, Dr David Edward Cowell and I, Mrs Maria Chivers, recognised the urgent need for a clear, practical definition of dysgraphia to support those working with children facing handwriting difficulties.
At that time, despite growing awareness of the challenges some children experienced with writing, there was no universally accepted or practical definition of dysgraphia to help people with dysgraphia. Drawing on our combined experience—and after working closely with many affected children and consulting with teachers and other professionals—we created what we believe was the first working definition of dysgraphia.
Dr Cowell, whose academic and professional background is exceptional—holding a BSc, MPhil, and PhD, and being a Chartered Psychologist and Life Member of the Royal Society of Medicine—brought deep insight and expertise to our collaboration.
In 2019, a decade after we first shared our definition, we updated it to reflect further research and developments in the field. Since then, understanding of dysgraphia has continued to grow, and many knowledgeable professionals have contributed valuable perspectives of their own. Of course, definitions vary, and each brings something important to the conversation.
We’re proud to have laid an early foundation, and we are grateful to those who have expanded on it. We continue to value and learn from the collective wisdom of the wider community working to support individuals with dysgraphia.
© 2025 Maria L M Chivers &
Dr David Edward Cowell, BSc,. MPhil, PhD.
Chartered Psychologist
Life Member of the Royal Society of Medicine.
The first “Dysgraphia Awareness Day” in the World was held on Monday, 3rd October, 2022. an event by Maria Chivers of the “Dyslexia A2Z” and helped by her friend and mentor, Dr David Cowell.
We registered our day in July 2022 and had a successful day and made many new contacts on our Facebook pages for Dysgraphia Awareness and Dysgraphia Support Group for Parents UK. We have several people from other countries who wish to be involved next year.
I am already working on next year’s programme, which will be on Monday, 2 October 2023.
If you have any suggestions or ideas or if you wish to participate, please get in touch with me.
Author and researcher, Raising Awareness of all aspects of Neurodiversity, including Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Visual Stress & other Learning Difficulties.
Email: [email protected].
Maria Chivers & Dr David E Cowell – 2022
www.dyslexiaa2z.com
Exclusively Designed for us is this Dysgraphia Enamel Awareness Badge.
To purchase, please go to eBay.
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