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On World Autism Awareness Day, TFOU will air a special episode of the animated series “Thomas and Friends” which will feature an autistic character for the first time. A way to educate children from an early age.
Bruno, a little train with autism
See you on April 2 on TFOU to discover the new episode “Thomas and Friends: The Mystery of Watchtower Mountain“. A special 60-minute episode to introduce Bruno, the first autistic character in the series for preschoolers on World Autism Awareness Day. “The introduction of Bruno emphasizes a population that is still too little represented in children’s programs and which deserves to be highlighted. Substantive work has been carried out and many experts have contributed to the development of this character. We can’t wait for viewers to meet Bruno and enjoy him as much as we do.”said Christopher Keenan, Senior Vice President & Executive Producer, Global Content Development and Production at Mattel, the company that produces this British series.
The character of Bruno was imagined by screenwriters with autism such as Daniel Share-Strom and Aaron Likens, as well as the organizations ASAN (Autism Self Advocacy Network) and ESSC 3 (Easterseals Southern California). “Our commitment and our contributions alongside Mattel have ensured that Bruno reflects what some children and their families may experience or experience around the world”said Dr. Paula Pompa Craven, chief clinical officer at Easterseals Southern California. “Spectators will have the chance to discover Bruno’s daily life and will be able to learn and grow with him.”
Sensitize children from an early age
Benevolent but suffering from intense anxiety in the face of change and social situations, the character of Bruno is also sensitive to noise and has difficulty in “establish eye contact, integrate certain information, follow conversations…”. A non-exhaustive list of traits, specifies the press release.
“Introducing an autistic character to the ‘Thomas & Friends’ franchise is part of Mattel’s desire to represent diversity and educate all children from an early age. Toddlers begin to notice the similarities and differences that surround them very early on. This is why, as a toy leader, we have a role to play in providing them with a play universe that is more representative of the society in which they will grow up.”added Delphine Sochon, Marketing Director Mattel France.