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'.
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