When I was younger, I was a huge fan of trains, especially Thomas the Tank Engine. I owned every Thomas VHS tape and enjoyed every episode as I got to know all of Thomas’s train friends, and sing along with the songs. Due to my repetitive quirks, I would replay scenes over and over again, especially climatic ones with crashes. It always got to me when the narrator (particularly Ringo Starr or George Carlin) would say “well, bust my buffers!,” “rubbish!” and “cinders and ashes!”
I also had the biggest Thomas train set. I would set up my trains and tracks all over the house, and I had so much fun rolling my trains over bridges and under tunnels and putting them in the shed. Every time I went to Toys “R” Us or any toy store with a Thomas set, I would run ahead and want to play around and see if there were any trains or accessories that I didn’t have that I wanted. I was very particular about what trains I got, so if I got a duplicate Thomas train or freight car, I would get upset and have a meltdown and want to return it.
Thomas trains played an intricate role during the first nine years of my life, and for many other autistic children, too. But, why Thomas and trains? What makes trains so interesting and special for kids on the spectrum?
Development pediatrician Amanda Bennett discusses four reasons why trains are a huge passion among individuals on the autism spectrum:
Trains have wheels, which can appeal to those whose sensory interests include watching objects spin.
Trains can be categorized into different models, types, sizes and so on. For some individuals with autism, organizing objects into categories is very appealing.
Trains run on schedules, and is in line with an autistic individual’s need for predictability and the inclination to memorize and recite information.
Trains have features that can support an enduring and developing interest across a lifetime, such as young children watching Thomas and older children and adults assembling and operating model trains.
My love for Thomas has made me relate to all four characteristics. I’m not as big into trains as I was 15-20 years ago, but I still find them fascinating and I enjoy riding them, especially on trips to cities such as New York.
Lots of autistic individuals are fascinated by trains, but that’s a common characteristic that brings them together. It is something they can talk about and relate to, and which can help build friendships with the shared interests.
Thomas the Tank Engine still holds a special spot in my heart, and is regarded as one of my fondest memories of all time.
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