Thomas gets children on the right track
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) survey reveals success of strategic partnership with Thomas & Friends, through Australian agent, Haven Licensing, to help increase awareness about autism.
An online Australian-based market research survey was devised after a UK study commissioned by The National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism and HIT Entertainment, demonstrated that many children with autism have a particular love for Thomas the Tank Engine.
Aspect hosted the online voluntary survey for the past year in order to explore whether the Australian results would mirror UK findings. The astonishing study results have now been revealed, and show that 96 per cent of respondents said that their child likes Thomas & Friends more than any other children’s characters.
For 72 per cent of the respondents, Thomas was the first children’s character that the child associated with. The survey showed that children with autism responded well because of the characters’ simple, clear facial expressions, the well-defined, recognisable characters, calm, clear narration and the recognisable colours.
81 per cent said the characters in Thomas & Friends helped their child with autism understand feelings and emotions of others. This is extremely beneficial as children with autism can use Thomas & Friends to help them learn to understand the feelings of family members and friends. This is an important step so they can better interact socially and engage with people around them.
Survey responses also indicated that the familiar characters provided a calming effect for the child (83 per cent of respondents agreed); a feeling of safety and security for the child (82 per cent); and a way for parents and children to communicate (80 per cent)
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