Kylie Kelce, Print Pals, and the Eagles: Empowering Neurodiverse Kids Through Creativity

Children and caregivers connect through a shared craft project that boosts creativity.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 1, 2025

Children and caregivers connect through a shared craft project that boosts creativity.

Kylie Kelce, HP, and the Eagles Autism Foundation: A Partnership for Creativity and Inclusion

Kylie Kelce, wife of former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and mother of three, has made it her mission to advocate for and support neurodiverse children and families. In collaboration with the Eagles Autism Foundation (EAF) and powerhouse HP, she is helping families discover new avenues for creativity and inclusivity, notably through the imaginative world of Print Pals. This initiative seeks to empower children of all abilities, spark meaningful conversations about neurodiversity, and provide free, easy-to-access resources to families across the country.

What are Print Pals?

Print Pals is a collection of printable puppet templates designed for children and families to download, color, cut, customize, and assemble. These playful puppets serve as a hands-on creative activity that invites self-expression, imaginative play, and communication skills development. Available for free through HP’s resources, Print Pals features:

Two puppet styles: Simple Glove Puppets for quick, easy assembly and Moving Mouth Puppets for a more engaging crafting experience.
Personalization: Extensive options for eyes, mouths, accessories, and features that reflect a wide range of real-life identities, including AAC devices, headphones, ponytails, cochlear implants, and wheels.
Accessibility: Thoughtful design for both neurotypical and neurodiverse children, ensuring everyone can enjoy and benefit from the project.

These puppets were co-created by Stacey Gordon, the accomplished puppeteer behind Julia, Sesame Street’s autistic Muppet, alongside input from the neurodiversity community. The intention is to foster both creative joy and an inclusive environment where every child’s unique personality and needs are seen and celebrated.

Kylie Kelce: A Personal and Passionate Advocate

Kelce’s journey as a neurodiversity advocate began early in life. Raised alongside Tim, a childhood friend who is autistic, she learned firsthand the importance of acceptance, flexibility, and friendship without labels. As Kelce recalls:

“We didn’t even know we were putting strategies in place, or sort of managing behaviors, when we were growing up—we were just hanging out with Tim.”

This formative experience inspired her later work as a one-to-one aide for individuals on the spectrum after college, deepening her expertise and commitment to the cause. Her involvement with the Eagles Autism Foundation has allowed her to expand her impact, using her platform to both share resources and promote adaptive learning environments.

The Eagles Autism Foundation: A Mission Rooted in Community

The Eagles Autism Foundation was launched by Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, whose personal connection stems from his autistic brother. The foundation’s mission is to fund innovative autism research and provide support for affected families, while also advancing public awareness and inclusion efforts throughout Philadelphia and beyond. Key programs and events include:

HuddleUp for Autism: Inclusive gatherings for families and fans to unite and learn.
All Abilities Clinics: Sports clinics adapted for accessibility and fun, regardless of skill or neurotype.
The Eagles Autism Challenge: Annual community events that raise critical funds for the foundation’s projects.

Through these initiatives, and with the involvement of changemakers like Kylie Kelce, the EAF helps erase stigmas and opens new doors for those on—and off—the autism spectrum.

Print Pals: Designed for Everyone

A core strength of Print Pals is its universality. While the resources are especially valuable for neurodiverse children, they are equally engaging for neurotypical kids and their families. Print Pals encourages siblings, friends, and caregivers to participate, nurturing understanding and cooperation through shared creative projects.

Inclusive Play: Print Pals was purposefully created so that all children, regardless of neurotype or ability, can enjoy the imaginative process of puppet-making.
Encouraging Teamwork: Watching neurotypical siblings assisting neurodiverse siblings with cutting or gluing creates meaningful moments of collaboration and empathy.
Basis for Conversation: The puppets themselves help spark open, gentle discussions about differences, preferences, and friendships.

Key Benefits of Print Pals for Kids and Families

Sensory Engagement: Tactile cutting, coloring, and assembling offer satisfying sensory feedback for children who benefit from hands-on activity.
Self-Sufficiency: Templates are simple enough for independent work or for families to enjoy together.
Creativity & Imagination: Children can personalize each puppet endlessly, allowing them to express their unique personalities and interests.
Accessible to All: Provided for free online—just print, color, and play!

The Power of Creative Expression in Neurodiversity

One of the main goals behind Print Pals is to empower neurodiverse children to express themselves on their own terms. Historically, many educational or recreational activities weren’t designed with neurodivergent needs in mind. Print Pals, however, specifically incorporates features that make it a welcoming, affirming toolkit for children who may find traditional crafts overwhelming or inaccessible.

Feature	Benefit for Neurodiverse Kids
Simple Instructions	Reduces anxiety, supports independent crafting
Personalization Options	Reflects each child’s identity or communication aids
Sensory Components	Engagement for tactile and visual learners
Free, Printable Downloads	Removes financial and geographic barriers

As Stacey Gordon, co-creator of Print Pals and puppet expert, noted, the purpose was to make the activity as universally accessible and enjoyable as possible. “It’s about giving every child the agency to express who they are, in ways that feel comfortable and safe,” Gordon says.

Families, Fun, and the Power of Inclusion

During community launch events, local families affiliated with the Eagles Autism Foundation were invited to try Print Pals for themselves. What was striking to observers—including Kylie Kelce—was the way the activity broke down barriers. Neurodiverse and neurotypical children worked side by side, sometimes quietly, sometimes sharing materials and laughter, but always building together.

Kylie Kelce shared her observations:

“It was so nice to see the children creating on their own, creating what they wanted to make. This is doable and fun for people across the board. Although the benefits are there for the neurodivergent population, everyone can get involved and everyone can have fun doing it.”

This ethos of openness and acceptance is at the core of both Print Pals and the Eagles Autism Foundation—a reminder that, ultimately, play and creativity are bridges that unite us, regardless of individual needs or differences.

Changing the Conversation Around Autism

Kelce’s advocacy extends well beyond promoting any single activity. She’s deeply committed to challenging outdated misconceptions and encouraging a culture of openness, understanding, and adaptive support for people on the autism spectrum. She often insists:

“When you’ve met one person on the spectrum, you’ve met one person on the spectrum.”
Autism isn’t always visible or easily understood; every individual’s experiences, challenges, and strengths are unique.
Maintaining curiosity, empathy, and flexibility helps create environments in which every child—regardless of neurotype—can thrive.

It’s this guiding principle that animates the work of both the Eagles Autism Foundation and Print Pals, and which Kylie Kelce has worked so hard to advance in schools, sports, and the wider community.

Print Pals: How to Access and Get Involved

Parents, educators, and caregivers can access Print Pals resources for free through HP’s official Print Pals platform. All you need is a printer and some art supplies, and children can immediately start:

Printing out the puppet templates
Coloring and adding personal touches
Cutting and assembling their own unique puppet
Using the final product in creative storytelling, play, or communication-support activities

HP and the Eagles Autism Foundation also encourage families to share their creations online, using community hashtags and engaging with local events focused on neurodiversity pride and inclusion.

Tips for Making the Most of Print Pals

Let children take the lead: Encourage kids to choose colors and accessories that reflect who they are.
Use puppets as tools: Integrate puppet play into routines that practice communication, storytelling, or emotional labeling.
Invite siblings and friends: Inclusive play boosts empathy and understanding among peers.
Display finished puppets: Celebrate each child’s creativity by proudly showcasing their unique designs.

Beyond Puppets: Year-Round Engagement and Advocacy

While Print Pals shines as a fun summer or after-school activity, the project exemplifies a deeper movement. Kylie Kelce’s work, alongside the Eagles Autism Foundation and HP, highlights the need for ongoing advocacy, research, and support:

Year-round events: Participate in or volunteer for EAF’s ongoing family and education programs.
Spread awareness: Host conversations in classrooms, sports leagues, and community centers about neurodiversity and inclusion.
Model openness: Treat every child as an individual and avoid assumptions.
Support diverse resources: Seek out and share crafts, activities, and stories that embrace neurodiversity in all its forms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What inspired Kylie Kelce’s involvement with autism advocacy?

Kylie Kelce was inspired by personal friendships growing up and her work as a support aide for individuals on the autism spectrum. She is committed to amplifying neurodiverse voices and providing practical tools for families.

Are Print Pals free, and who can use them?

Yes, Print Pals are available for free download online and are suitable for all children, including those with neurodiverse needs and their neurotypical siblings and friends.

How are Print Pals helpful for neurodiverse children?

Print Pals offer hands-on, sensory-friendly creative engagement that can be independently managed or enjoyed collaboratively. Features like personalizable accessories and simple assembly are designed to meet a wide range of needs and preferences.

Can Print Pals be used in classrooms or therapy sessions?

Absolutely. Educators, therapists, and families frequently use Print Pals for group activities, storytelling, practicing communication skills, and encouraging self-expression in inclusive settings.

What is the Eagles Autism Foundation?

Founded by Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, the foundation funds autism research, organizes awareness-raising community events, and promotes inclusive practices throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond.

Conclusion: Creativity for Every Child

Through initiatives like Print Pals and the tireless advocacy of Kylie Kelce and the Eagles Autism Foundation, children of all abilities are invited to fully express themselves and feel seen. The hope is that with ongoing creativity, inclusivity, and open-mindedness, each child can thrive just as they are—unique, valued, and heard.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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