A recent study by the UK’s National Autistic Society explores the relationship between children with autism and Thomas the Tank Engine. The research found that nearly 90% of the over 700 children participating liked Thomas very much and nearly 50% of parents reported that their child had learned about colors and numbers from Thomas. The popular train also influenced over 30% of the participating children in positive ways in regards to language. Parents reported that children who did not communicate with typical language were able to communicate with ‘Thomas’ language. Many parents also reported that children were able to learn about human emotion from the expressions on the trains. Another benefit to children with autism and their siblings is that they can begin to interact by watching a Thomas video or playing with the toy trains together. The overall effect of Thomas the Tank Engine was reported as positive and helpful, not only to the autistic children but to their parents as well. Click on the link above to read the full results from the study.