Mattel is to launch the first ever autistic character in flagship pre-school show Thomas & Friends.
The television arm of the toy giant has developed the character, Bruno the Brake Car, in collaboration with the US-based Autusm Self Advocacy group as well as autistic writers and figures.
The move, which also sees Bruno being voiced by nine-year-old Elliott Garcia, from Reading, Berkshire, who himself has autism, has been welcomed by UK organisations.
Bruno will make his debut on Wednesday September 21 on Channel 5’s Milkshake, with consumer products and more activity, with the character appearing across different content strands such as YouTube and podcasts, to follow.
Garcia said: ““Bruno is a Brake Car, and he is a new friend for Thomas and his friends, and he’s also autistic, like me. He is funny, smart, and he’s a very relaxed character. He can get really overwhelmed, he can get worried, and he uses comedy to get past situations. Bruno loves schedules and timetables and when everything goes to plan.
“When I won the role of Bruno, I imagined that it was a dream, but it wasn’t! I felt really excited and happy. It’s great that they are representing autistic characters because I watch the Thomas & Friends series and for there to be an autistic character makes me feel very happy and excited.”
Tom Purser, head of guidance, volunteering & campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said: “It’s important that everyone sees autistic characters on our screens because there are 160,000 school-age autistic children in the UK and they want to see their stories told, but it’s also important that non-autistic children get insight and understanding into what it can be like to be autistic. What Elliot brings to this role is his joy and enthusiasm, his autistic experiences and he just brings the character to life.
“This is a real moment for autism because the history of autistic children and their relationship with the Thomas & Friends brand has been massive and I think to really recognise the importance of reflecting neurodiversity and autism in Thomas & Friends series is an amazing moment for Mattel, for the Thomas & Friends brand, and for autistic people.”
