The children's TV show Thomas & Friends, featuring the characters from the world of Thomas the Tank Engine, will be introducing its first autistic character to the line-up.
Bruno the Brake Car is a new role, which the National Autistic Society helped to cast.
Nine-year-old autistic actor Elliott Garcia from Reading will voice the character.
Bruno is described as a “joyful, pun-making brake car” who is detail-orientated and enjoys schedules, and routine and knows where all the tracks lead in the area.
As part of his design he has a lantern on his red exterior to communicate his emotional state, moves when he is excited or cautious and he can create ear defenders by puffing out steam if he feels sensitive to loud noises.
Speaking about getting the role Garcia said: “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.”
“His ear defenders I do relate to, because if there’s a really loud noise I can’t cope.
“I can get quite worried about things, I have to think of new strategies, same as Bruno.”
The character and storylines related to Bruno were created by Mattel Television in partnership with US autism organisations including the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and Easterseals Southern California as well as autistic writers and spokespeople.
Tom Purser, head of guidance, volunteering and 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.”
Thomas & Friends airs on Channel 5 in the UK and Bruno will appear in episodes of Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! on the channel from Wednesday, September 21.
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