For many parents, it can be difficult to combine fun and learning at home. Neurodivergent children may struggle with learning communication skills without sufficient outlets for self-expression and social interaction.

An estimated one in five Australian kids are neurodivergent. A new initiative, spearheaded by HP, offers neurodivergent children and their families a new tool to foster communication skills. HP’s Print Pals seeks to support inclusion by providing a creative and accessible way to learn and play at the same time.

A study by Yale Child Study Centre researchers shows that puppets can capture the attention of autistic children, suggesting potential for increased social engagement and learning.

Stacey Gordon, world renowned puppeteer co-created the paper puppets working closely with HP to create HP Print Pals, visiting Australia recently to share her enthusiasm.

We’ve recently interviewed Jackie Sikic, Occupational Therapist, Owner & Director of Kid Link Occupational Therapy, who was also an integral part to the program creation. She shares some great insights and connection with the neurodivergent community.

What makes the HP Print Pals Project unique?

HP chose to work with Stacy Gordon and create a product that centred around inclusion from the beginning in terms of how the puppets could be personalised. Inclusive options were not a tick box or an afterthought. They then bravely decided to centre the ad campaign around neurodiversity and listen to the consultants and families to ensure the campaign communicated what they wanted the puppets to represent. I think HP took a bold step towards representation with the Print Pals project and this makes it unique, but hopefully not for long. It’s my hope that more companies step outside what’s comfortable and follow suit. 

What was most important for you to have in the HP Print Pals Project?

The main thing that was important to me was that it was neurodiversity-affirming. As an Occupational Therapist, I am constantly learning and growing so I don’t (and won’t) get it right every time but I was keen to be the best ally I could be, with the knowledge and tools I have available to me. It’s great when organisations see the importance of representation and we wanted to make sure that we were using the opportunity to educate the community about the neurodiverse world we live in and doing so in an authentic, affirming and respectful way.

Why do you feel that the HP Print Pals collaboration is effective?

The flexibility! The activity and the product can be approached in many ways and adapted to suit the child you are working with. It's playful, tactile, interactive and can build skills across a number of areas including but not limited to motor skills, executive functioning, social participation and emotional regulation.

How would you describe the impact of puppets play on the communication skills of neurodivergent children?

Role play and using puppets can take the focus off of the individual child and provide a playful way of exploring a child's experiences, feelings, thoughts. We know that play is the primary occupation of children so play and chat with puppets can help to create a safe and child-centred activity that families can engage in together. When children feel safe, regulated and engaged, they are more likely to be able to play, learn and communicate. The puppets allow for creativity, expression and individuality. Kids learn through play, so setting aside quality time of this kind of activity sends the message that the parent values connection and learning about their child.

Do you have any practical tips for parents to incorporate puppets into everyday learning for all kids?  

1. Be patient. Kids sometimes like to see activities multiple times before wanting to try themselves. 

2. Keep it positive. Praise the effort, not the outcome. 

3. Take their lead. Watch and wait as they make choices or create the puppet in a way that is meaningful for them.

4. Support Access. Depending on your child’s needs you might utilise your child’s preferred method of communication, let them choose how they will colour or decorate their puppet, use flexible seating options, take breaks, explain the steps clearly (use a visual checklist), and/or have access to sensory supports. 

With HP Print Pals, kids and families can download, print and personalise their own puppets using accessible templates available on HP Printables site. Kids can customise eyes, mouths, arms and other features, aiding in expression, individuality and creativity.