What are the main connections between Thomas the Tank Engine and the Autistic Spectrum?

Answer 1

Shields (1999) has compiled a lists of toys that have been demonstrated as being popular with young children with autism. They include toys which are visually interesting (eg bubbles, shape and colour matching or sorting toys, jigsaws, Jack-in-the-box, lego, videos especially Thomas the Tank Engine, Pingu and Disney); books, especially those with flaps or items to touch, puzzle books, word books etc; physical activity toys eg swing, slide, trampoline, rocking horse, ride-on toys, climbing frame, football etc.; games to play with other people eg tapes of singing and dancing games, picture lotto, snap, Connect 4, snakes and ladders, ludo, chess; and computer software - early years programmes, characters (eg Thomas the Tank Engine, Pingu, Disney), software to develop vocabulary, factual software.


AND....


57% of children on the autistic spectrum associate with Thomas before any other children's character. Thomas is also described as a comfort blanket resource for children who experienced difficulty in making friends.

Some of the reasons for children associating so strongly with Thomas include: the easily recognisable and bold colours; the 'friendly' faces whose expressions are exaggerated and are set for some time so can be understood; the calm and clear narration which 'signposts' changes clearly; the easy to follow storylines.