Online learning uses Thomas the Tank Engine to help autistic children . Children try to recognize which engine has happy , sad , angry characters . The study , by the National Autistic Society , summarized that the show held such appeal because of the clear facial expressions of the characters , the pacing of the program and the easy-to-follow story lines . Autistic children often have trouble recognizing different facial expressions . UK study : More autistic kids identify with ` ` Thomas '' than other fictional engines .
Online learning uses Thomas the Tank Engine to help autistic children . Children try to recognize which engine has happy , sad , angry characters . Autistic children often have trouble recognizing different facial expressions . UK study : More autistic kids identify with ` ` Thomas '' than other fictional engines .