Mindful marks
Empowering Neurodivergent Youth Through Creativity, Identity, and Support
Welcome to the Mindful Marks portfolio—a curated look at the heart of what we do. Our work blends therapeutic design, neurodiversity-affirming content, and practical support tools to uplift autistic and neurodivergent preteens and teens.
Here, you'll find samples of our sensory-friendly coloring books, empowering guidebooks, printable resources, and visual tools—all crafted to promote emotional regulation, life skills, and self-advocacy. Each piece is intentionally created to reflect real experiences, celebrate unique strengths, and build confidence without masking.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or therapist, this portfolio gives you a glimpse into how our tools create meaningful change—one mindful mark at a time.
How Mindful Marks Helped Jordan Thrive
Meet Jordan
Jordan is a 13-year-old autistic teen who struggles with transitions, anxiety, and expressing their emotions. Before discovering Mindful Marks, Jordan often became overwhelmed by daily routines and had difficulty communicating when feeling burned out.
The Challenge
Jordan’s parents wanted tools to help Jordan feel more in control of their emotions, practice self-advocacy, and gain life skills—without pushing masking or conformity.
The Solution
Jordan’s family started using the Mindful Transitions Coloring Book and Life Skills for Neurodivergent Teens Guide. They incorporated 15 minutes of coloring time into Jordan’s daily routine using pages focused on emotional regulation and affirmations. They also used the printable routine planner and self-advocacy cards to start small conversations about Jordan’s needs and goals.
The Results
Jordan now uses affirmations to self-soothe before school.
They started packing their own sensory-friendly lunch using the “Decision Helper” printable.
Transitions from screen time to mealtime became smoother using the visual countdown included in the free routine tracker.
Jordan’s parents say, “We finally have a way to support Jordan without overwhelming them. These tools meet them where they are.”
The Impact
Jordan feels more seen, more confident, and more in control. With Mindful Marks, their family found more than just coloring pages—they found connection, growth, and pride.
A Mother’s Journey to Understanding Her Autistic Daughter
Meet Alana & Maya
Alana is a mom of three, and her oldest daughter, Maya, was recently diagnosed with autism at age 14. For years, Maya had been labeled as “shy,” “moody,” or “too sensitive.” But nothing ever quite fit—until the diagnosis. While the diagnosis brought clarity, it also left Alana feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to support Maya’s emotional needs, and worried she had missed something important all these years.
The Challenge
Maya was experiencing burnout from years of masking at school, had low self-esteem, and often shut down when asked how she felt. Alana wanted to support Maya in a way that felt gentle, affirming, and didn’t force her to “act neurotypical.” But most of the resources she found were clinical, outdated, or aimed at younger children.
The Solution
Alana discovered Mindful Marks through a blog post about late-diagnosed autistic teens. She downloaded the free Burnout Support Coloring Pages and then purchased the “Celebrating Your Autistic Identity” eBook and the Transition Readiness Checklist printable pack.
Together, they read through short chapters in the eBook, helping Maya understand her sensory needs, strengths, and communication style.
The printable affirmations became part of their morning routine.
The “What I Need When I’m Overwhelmed” worksheet helped Maya finally express what burnout felt like for her—and how Alana could help.
The Results
Maya felt relief knowing she wasn’t alone—and didn’t need to be “fixed.”
Their relationship strengthened as Alana shifted from trying to “help Maya cope” to embracing and supporting her autistic identity.
Maya now advocates for herself at doctor visits and uses the transition planner to build independence in small steps.
What Alana Says
“Mindful Marks gave me more than tools—they gave me a new way to see my daughter. These guides helped me realize Maya didn’t need to be changed. She needed to be understood.”
A Father’s Breakthrough – From Meltdowns to Mindful Regulation
Meet Marcus & Elijah
Marcus is a devoted single father raising his 11-year-old son, Elijah, who was diagnosed as autistic at age 7. While Elijah often appeared “fine” at school, he would come home completely exhausted—masking all day and melting down as soon as he walked through the door. Marcus felt helpless and overwhelmed, unsure how to support Elijah in moments of emotional overload.
The Challenge
Elijah's meltdowns were becoming more frequent, and Marcus noticed signs of deep burnout—sensory shutdowns, irritability, and a growing resistance to talking about feelings. Traditional parenting advice wasn’t working. Marcus wanted to support Elijah in a way that honored his needs, not just managed his behavior.
The Turning Point
After a long, emotional evening, Marcus went searching online and found Mindful Marks. The idea of combining creativity, sensory-friendly tools, and emotional support immediately stood out. He downloaded the “Calm Down Corner Starter Kit”, along with a copy of the “Color & Regulate: A Burnout Recovery Coloring Book for Preteens”.
The Solution
Marcus transformed a small space in Elijah’s room into a sensory-safe Calm Down Corner using printable visuals and checklists from Mindful Marks.
Here’s what they implemented:
Visual Regulation Cards to help Elijah choose what he needed during overwhelming moments (e.g., “quiet time,” “fidget play,” “hug,” “no talking”).
A rotating set of coloring pages focused on emotional expression, giving Elijah a creative outlet after school.
A “Burnout Warning Signs” tracker, which helped Marcus and Elijah identify patterns before full meltdowns happened.
The Results
Elijah now voluntarily uses his Calm Down Corner after school instead of spiraling into meltdowns.
He expresses his emotions more clearly using the regulation visuals.
Coloring became a daily ritual for unwinding—Marcus even joins him some evenings to connect.
What Marcus Says
“Mindful Marks didn’t just give us tools—it gave me a way to finally meet Elijah where he is. I understand him better now, and he feels safer being himself at home. Our relationship has grown because of it.”
