Created in collaboration with autistic writers and organisations, the new character Bruno the Brake Car will feature in future episodes of the show Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go!
The character will be voiced by nine year old autistic actor Eliott Garcia from Reading. He has been cast in the show with input from the UK National Autistic Society.
Bruno The Brake Car has been described as a "joyful, pun-making brake car", who enjoys schedules and routines and knows where all the tracks lead in the area.
His reverse roll at the back end of a train also gives him a unique perspective on the world. His strong brakes will help the other engines to keep heavy cargo steady.
"When I won the role of Bruno, I imagined that it was a dream, but it wasn't! I felt really excited and happy", Garcia said of the role. "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".
Garcia's character uses a lantern on his red exterior, communicating his emotional state, moving when he feels excited or cautious. He can also create ear defenders by puffing out steam if he feels sensitive.
"His ear defenders I do relate to because if there's a really loud noise I can't cope", Garcia explained. "I can get quite worried about things. I have to think of new strategies, same as Bruno".
"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", Tom Purser, Head of Guidance, Volunteering and Campaigns said.
"What Elliot brings to this role is his joy and enthusiasm, his autistic experiences and he just brings the character to life", he added.
"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 the Thomas & Friends series is an amazing moment for Mattel, for the Thomas & Friends brand, and for autistic people". #
The character and storylines have been developed by Mattel Television in collaboration US autism organisations including the Easterseals Southern California and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
Christopher Keenan is the Senior Vice president and Executive Producer of Global Content Development and Production at Mattel.
He said, "Bruno's introduction organically embraces a global audience that is underrepresented and deserves to be celebrated in children's programming".
"So much care and thought went into the development of his character, and we can't wait for audiences to meet and love Bruno as much as we do".
Bruno the Brake Car will also feature in the show's YouTube series, music album, the upcoming feature-length special Mystery of Lookout Mountain, along with the Thomas and Friends Storytime podcast.
