Maria Chivers is a passionate advocate for all aspects of neurodiversity, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD and dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder – DCD). For over 35 years, she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and provide support for individuals with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs).
Her journey into neurodiversity advocacy began as a personal mission. When her eldest child struggled at infant school and was diagnosed with dyslexia, Maria committed herself to understanding the condition. Her dedication only deepened when her younger child experienced similar challenges.
In 1991, Maria founded the Swindon Dyslexia Centre to support both children and adults with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia (DCD). More than two decades later, she launched Dyslexia A2Z, a comprehensive online platform providing information, guidance, and resources for families, educators, and individuals affected by neurodiverse conditions. The site also addresses associated challenges, including auditory processing difficulties, visual stress, and related eye issues.
Maria herself has dyslexia and dyspraxia, lending a deeply personal insight to her work. As an internationally recognised author, she has written several books on neurodiversity, including her first children’s book, Alli Can’t Write. Her title, Practical Strategies for Living with Dyslexia, has been translated into multiple languages, extending her influence around the world.
Over the years, Maria has collaborated with teams of skilled professionals, including tutors, psychologists, and therapists, to deliver targeted support. She credits much of her inspiration and development to her mentor, Dr. David Edward Cowell, who has supported her vision for over 30 years.
Maria’s expertise has been widely acknowledged in the media, with appearances on television and radio, including The Learning Curve. She has delivered numerous lectures and training sessions on dyslexia and related learning difficulties, helping to shape more inclusive educational approaches.
In 2009, due to ill health, Maria closed the Swindon Dyslexia Centre. However, she has continued her mission through Dyslexia A2Z, which remains a trusted source of information for parents, educators, and individuals navigating the world of neurodiversity.
Maria lives in Swindon with her husband Chris, a retired police officer. Their two children have been the driving force behind her lifelong commitment to supporting those with learning differences. Her work continues to inspire and empower neurodiverse individuals to reach their full potential.
The Way We Were
Dyslexia Champion 1988
Dr Helen Ross
5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic resource
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 December 2019
The story is full of the kind of characters that you would see in many classrooms! The way that the story introduces the difficulties experienced by Alli is sensitive and presented clearly so that a child would be able to identify themselves as Alli. The experiences described are so common amongst young people with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties.
The interaction between Mummy-Gator and the schoolteachers is supportive and shows young people that there are discussions which take place that they may not necessarily be aware of. The book introduces the concept of specialist testing carefully and shows young people that it is not something to fear.
There is a list of recommendations for the family and Alli’s teachers, to help Alli improve his writing which are useful for everyone involved in supporting young people at school. There are also topics such as environmental damaged introduced in the book, so that different foci can be addressed when going through the book with young people multiple times.
The book is a useful resource to share with professionals and young people. The practical suggestions given to support Alli are useful for supporting young people with difficulties, their teachers and families. It is low cost and is thus accessible to multiple audiences. I would heartily recommend reading it.
Steve Chinn
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book on dysgraphia
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 June 2019
‘Alli can’t Write’ It is a lovely book for children who have dysgraphia! I like the way the book integrates an Everglades ecosystem message into its messages on dysgraphia. I also like the blend of the story and the information. The author communicates so successfully. It is a very novel, beautifully illustrated book which purveys information in a way that will help so many children. Well done!!
Jacky Drake
5.0 out of 5 stars Dysgraphia – A great useful book for both the parent and child
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 March 2019
This book is a little gem, a really great useful book both for the parent and child.
The author speaks exactly how a child would, great communicator. We loved Alli, and really liked it when the skunk made rude smells (typical child). He also liked looking for the snails.
I have no hesitating recommending this book to anyone, with problems writing.
Nice ideas in section two for parents and teachers, which give good information to help to strengthen the muscles in the hand fun. And some pencil grips, that don’t look like special pieces. And lots of other good ideas. Haven’t been able to try any of the suggestions out yet though.
Not only is the book fun but it also has very useful information to help me understand what disgraphia is. Even if your child doesn’t have disgrafia, its still a lovely little story.
Lin
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 May 2019
I enjoyed this book and I’m sure children of all ages will too, and all the different animals in it children will just love
Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars It give specific info in back of book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 May 2019
A lovely story and very informative my 7 yr old son was able to see the similarities in himself being dyslexic and dysgraphic
Alan Mower
5.0 out of 5 stars Really lovely book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 June 2019
Our boys age 7 and 3 both loved this story, it’s a very informative story and fun to read. It gives lots of good idea for children with disgraphia.
Caroline
5.0 out of 5 stars A positive message of encouragement and acceptance
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 April 2019
We enjoyed the witty empathetic storyline and delighted in following the courageous journey of Alli and his family from their frustrations and difficulties to finding solutions. The positive message of encouragement and acceptance runs through the story, we loved the inspiring message of not giving up! This is a truly unique book with engaging lively graphics, beautifully illustrated in a child friendly style. Interspersed with fascinating facts and the useful information contribute to the added value of this book. A wonderful story for children and a must have for parents in their understanding of children’s handwriting development.
Sarah Barton
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a positive book for children as well as adults
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2019
This is a good story and the children loved the different animals. They also felt sorry for Alli and could understand how he felt, and were glad he got the help he needed. This book is good for children and also there is a lot of helpful information for parents to. I will also be recommending this to my SENCO as it would be a great one for them to have to read with children and also lend to parents.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Hand writing needs to be taught.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 May 2019
Dysgraphia is a SpLD largely overlooked in the UK, this book should raise its profile among parents and teachers whilst helping children to accept themselves and get the support they need. Alli and his endangered friends will appeal to children and the information given about them will provide a useful vehicle to encourage them to take heart about their own situation.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Useful and practical book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 May 2019
This is a lovely and really practical book. I read it to my grandson and he really enjoyed it and he struggles with handwriting at times. I also found it useful for guidance for both schools and parents.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Dedicated to raising awareness for people with learning difficulties.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 March 2019
This book has a lovely story line, pictures are very well illustrated and help’s tell the story. It’s a lovely book to read to children to help them understand that there are other children with similar learning difficulties. There is also an adult section of the book for parents and teachers with useful information and links. I have also purchased other books from this author and have always found them very useful and educational.
Lindsay Gordon
5.0 out of 5 stars Unusual, interesting and engaging
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 November 2020
This little book written by Maria Chivers is both delightful and helpful. It is written in an engaging manner for those who have problems committing their well-formed ideas onto paper due to handwriting difficulties and / or dysgraphia. Couching the issues amongst exotic animals helps children identify with the characters and their problems in a positive way. The book is also full of explanations and ideas for parents and school staff, written in an accessible manner. Well worth reading.
Mrs F Woodfield
5.0 out of 5 stars Little gem
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 November 2019
Lovely little book that really helps both child and adult to grasp what is meant by Dyslexia. The book also covers little extras about nature and animals. I will be recommending this book to friends and schools. Thanks
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 December 2019
A fantastic book that i could easily relate to. Definitely one to read to children so that they can understand other children difficulties.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book for all the family!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 June 2019
what a great book, written so well enjoyed by all our family, our kids loved it!! Great for raisinf awareness
it also has useful information to help understand what disgraphia is.
Christine
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 December 2019
A fantastic book which both my girls really enjoyed. The story was engaging and the illustrations were lovely.
Jane Mcgillivray
5.0 out of 5 stars Not just a story, an amazing resource for all ages
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 November 2020
Fabulous way to explain what having handwriting difficulties feels like to other children, young people, teachers and teaching assistants. Loved the resources at the back, thank you.
Aniela
5.0 out of 5 stars A breath of fresh air!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 August 2021
As a seasoned teacher with over 15 years’ experience teaching a broad spectrum of abilities, I often come across students with SEND. This book is a breath of fresh air: written in a straightforward, yet friendly style, the story of Alli the Alligator is accessible and easily-relatable to anyone who supports children and young people with dyslexia and dysgraphia. The sympathetic telling of the story of how Alli overcomes his struggles is not only heartwarming, but is also educational and informative about what it is like to have dyslexia and dysgraphia. Towards the end of the book, there is an invaluable section on additional resources, websites, books, along with excellent advice and guidance on how best to support children with dyslexia/dysgraphia.
Pam
5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 September 2021
A great story for children to read or to be read to. Also a very informative book for adults, giving a description of how someone can be misinterpreted as being a messy writer, where in fact with the correct support was able to achieve. Lots of useful ideas to help support a child with their handwriting difficulties. Definitely recommend!
Reviews From Other Countries
Sammi Jo Cook
5.0 out of 5 stars A highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on 10 March 2020Verified Purchase
just finding out my son is dislexic and has disgraphia, a wonderful written book to understand what a child goes through, a must read if you? Your child’s needs!
WHEN Maria Chivers’ niece Kerry Wilcox died at the age of 23, her family made the difficult decision that her organs should be donated.
Since her death 12 years ago, Kerry’s organs have helped save the lives of at least four people, including a nine-month-old baby, a nine-year-old girl and two men in their 50s.
Now, her aunt and godmother Maria, 56, of Blunsdon, has launched a one-woman campaign to get 25,000 people to sign up to the Organ Donor Register in the 25 days until Christmas.
Maria said: “If I only get one person to sign up then that may help save someone else’s life, but I wanted to set myself a target.
“Around 90 per cent of the population say they support organ donation, yet only 30 per cent of people have actually signed up to the register. I think that if we push the boat out in Swindon alone, then we should be able to help.”
Kerry, an aspiring singer, had never spoken to her family about organ donation before her own life was cut short following a brain haemorrhage, but Maria believes it is exactly what she would have wanted.
“I have only recently felt able to talk about Kerry without getting upset,” she said.
“She was so lovely, she lived life to the full and was such a beautiful girl.
“She loved people and cared so much for people – she would give anybody her last penny. My sister Janet, Kerry’s mum, had never talked about organ donation with her children but she knew instinctively that Kerry would have wanted to help anybody.
“As a result of her gift, we now know her organs saved at least four people including a baby who received a heart valve transplant, a little nine-year-old girl received a liver transplant and is doing extremely well and two men in their 50s who had been on dialysis for many years are now living healthy lives.
“It helps to know she has helped others, it doesn’t really help at the time, but now it does.”
Maria is now urging others to talk about organ donation with their relatives or friends to save them the ordeal of having the conversation when somebody they know has passed away.
She said: “If I could make a plea to people it would be to ask you to talk to your relatives, maybe over dinner, when you’re watching TV, anywhere, just when you are relaxed and can talk quite casually about things.
“When you have to talk about it in these circumstances, it is absolutely awful – terrifying. Don’t wait until you are in this position, and don’t think it will never happen, I sincerely hope it doesn’t but you never know.
“I am trying to get 1,000 of you to sign up, for each of the 25 days, that’s 25,000 people – that’s not a lot to ask is it?”
Maria has set up a Facebook page One Moment of your Time which contains a link on donation. For more details visit www. organdonation.nhs.uk.
by Katie Bond
Swindon Advertiser
Monday 5th December 2011
The Way We Were Dyslexia Champion 1988
A Storybook for Children with Handwriting Difficulties.
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