Every so often, I get sent snippets from the Telegraph newspaper, which my parents read religiously, 7 days a week. These clippings are mainly fascinating stories of invention and progression of the world at large.

My parents have always tried their best to support our neurodiverse children, while perhaps not understanding the complexities and challenges we face, they are there emotionally and use newspaper clippings similar to the one below to acknowledge they are trying to help in other ways. All appreciated warmly I must add!

One short article arrived yesterday, relaying how a popular children’s television programme has altered part of the storyline, to encompass their neurodiverse audience. They have added an Autistic character, Bruno the Brake Engine.

Many years ago, both of our children liked this programme and it is gratifying to see yet another very popular TV show encouraging acceptance of all differences in our society. Julia was a recent addition to the Muppet Babies, as a character with Autism.

Young children who are avid Thomas the Tank Engine viewers will accept that the new character of Bruno the Brake train engine is just a new part of the storyline. Why should they think anything different. Learning from a very young age is a step in the right direction for a fairer and more accepting society.

The point of the story is that more children’s TV programmes are including autistic characters in their storylines to teach pre-school aged children to be more accepting of their peers.

I gave this post the title of ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ hoping people would be intrigued enough to click and read. After all Thomas the Tank Engine books were first published in 1945, so I imagine there will be a fair amount of readers who will remember Thomas and friends very fondly.

Thanks

Steve