Thomas the Tank Engine Poster: Can It Help Autistic Children?

Parents of autistic children know how frustrating the condition can be, but recent studies have shown there may be hope in a form no one could have predicted: Thomas the Tank Engine. Autistic children have been found to sometimes respond when looking upon Thomas the Tank Engine posters, books or toys.

Here are some possible reasons as to why this maybe the case:

1. The Thomas the Tank Engine poster is easily recognizable and his bold primary colors capture the autistic child's interest.
2. Thomas and Friends are basically stationary objects, which hold an emotional expression for a period of time, allowing the child to associate a facial expression with an actual emotion.
3. The Thomas the Tank Engine is very colorful and attractive.
4. Their imagination works as they look at Thomas the Tank Engine poster. And the poster does not cause any information or sensory overload.

The owners of Thomas and Friends, Gullane Entertainment, and The National Autistic Society brought about the report issued about Thomas the Tank Engine products. Their goal was to back up the theory proposed that Thomas, the main character, was the most loved by children with autism. And prove it that they did. Almost 57% of children with autism proved to find Thomas as their favorite and most beloved small screen friend. One source said that Thomas and Friends were much like a safekeeping blanket for these children.

Aside from that, the Director of Fundraising for The National Autistic Society also stated: "The report clearly indicates that Thomas plays a vital role in the lives of some children with autism, acting as an initial point of entry into realms as vital as speech, emotion and imagination. For many other children on the autistic spectrum, Thomas serves as a comforting, familiar and reassuring presence in a world that is frequently frightening and incomprehensible."

Thomas the Tank Engine has proved to be what is termed by this report as a "point of entry" into the autistic mind. The Thomas the Tank Engine poster in particular has been a great tool for the children to enhance them socially, mentally and emotionally.

By using methods of emotional expression on the trains' faces, a new method of learning has developed. Termed as "theory of mind," a knowledge that many people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders lack, children with Autism/PDD learn about much more than a character like Thomas and his own little life. They learn about empathy, facial expressions, emotions and hopefully these bits of knowledge grow within the child's mind to promote further learning into other areas of life.

Thomas the Tank has proven over the years to be a vital key for many. A Thomas the Tank Engine poster has been the symbol of hope that most parent can relate to. As the years go by, children do not outgrow Thomas and Friends but find they grow with them increasing their world and thus, increasing their awareness showing their interest on things.

Naturally this article is not meant to be taken as medical advice, and there is no guarantee that Thomas the Train may aid your autistic child, but with studies showing that just over 50% have responded positively, it's something you may wish to try.


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