In an online survey by the National Autistic Society (NAS) of 748parents of children with autism under ten, Thomas was named thechildren's favourite character. Bob the Builder came second.
Nearly a third of the parents said they felt that Thomas and his trainfriends helped their child recognise facial expressions and emotions.They also helped children learn colours, numbers and language, as wellas listing and collecting.
Benet Middleton of the NAS said, 'Parents feel that Thomas & Friends hasplayed a pivotal role in the early learning of many children who haveautism, partly due to the clear facial expressions and simplestorylines.'
The NAS said that parents reported that the stories give their childrena feeling of safety and security and have a calming affect, because thecharacters 'behave very predictably'.
Of the 748 parents polled, 705 had boys with autism, reflecting studiesthat show autism affects up to 15 times more males than females.
Catherine Lewis, whose six-year-old son started liking Thomas at agetwo, said, 'I encouraged him to engage with Thomas, as I could see thebenefits.'
The report is available at www.nas.org.uk.
