ThisNext is my new favorite website. I’ve started a list on their suggesting toys for autism. Check it out, and if you have an idea on what else should be on my list, e-mail me: joysteuer@gmail.com
http://www.thisnext.com/list/97915374/Toys-for-Autism
This was a great article- retrieved from: http://www.myfavoritetoys.com/autism_thomas.php
Millions of children around the world love Thomas the Tank Engine. Parents everywhere have watched their children learn, grow and have fun with this cheeky little blue engine. For many children with autistic spectrum disorders, Thomas plays an even more important role. A 2002 study by the National Autistic Society in the UK shows that Thomas the Tank Engine helps break through the barriers of many children with autism and Asperger syndrome. Parents of children with ASD have known for years that Thomas and his friends have special value to their children. The report confirms this anecdotal evidence, stating that children with ASD associate far more strongly with Thomas the Tank Engine than with other children’s characters. Some parents of children with ASD have reported leaps of emotion, imagination and symbolic play that were unimaginable before the child’s relationship with Thomas. Why Thomas the Tank Engine? Children with ASD seem to be particularly fascinated with Thomas. A number of reasons have been proposed to explain this special relationship. Children with autism are often attracted to objects arranged in lines (like cars on a train), as well as spinning objects and wheels. Thomas and his friends have bold, easily-to-recognize colors. Thomas and the other characters have friendly faces, often with exaggerated expressions. In the videos, the expressions are set for some time and are often accompanied by simple narration explaining the emotion (“Thomas was sad.”), allowing children to identify the feelings and expressions. The narration of the videos is calm and clear, and changes are ‘signposted’ clearly. The stories are relatively short (less than five minutes) and easy to follow. Things that go wrong are usually resolved by the end of the episode. The unique stop-action photography of the videos allows the background and scenery to remain still, allowing for greater focus on the “big picture” with less distraction. The characters play predictable roles. Children with ASD often have the need to identify, list, collect and create lines with favorite objects. Thomas is especially suitable for these activities. Thomas is a True-Blue Friend Many children with ASD have a hard time making and maintaining friendships. Thomas and the other characters can serve as substitute friends in a world with few friends. Parents of children with autism and related disorders often mention that their children find Thomas calming and comforting, rather like a ‘security blanket’. Children often like to have their trains with them at all times. The sound of the videos playing in the background can have a comforting effect while the child is engaged in other activities. This is especially important for children with ASD, where the world is often frightening beyond their understanding. Learning with Thomas Thomas often serves as a ‘gateway to learning’ for children with ASD. The interest in Thomas provides children with the motivation and interest to try new things. For example, a child who is not otherwise interested in the computer will eagerly learn computer skills when introduced to a Thomas game. Thomas also often plays an important role in learning color recognition, numbers and language skills. Because language is such an obstacle for many children with ASD, Thomas’ influence on these skills is especially beneficial. Parents report children echoing entire chunks of Thomas videos. (This use of language, called echolalia, is common in children with autism.) Over time, many children move to using Thomas language in real-life situations. Parents have reported great success in using Thomas language with their children, such as “Stop, the signal is up,” or “Apply the brakes”. Emotional and Social Development In the videos, Thomas and the other characters have exaggerated facial expressions, which are often set for a relatively long period of time. This allows the child with ASD to relate to the emotions, expressions and feelings of the characters. This is especially valuable for children who have difficulty understanding people and their thoughts and feelings. You can see some examples of Thomas’ facial expressions on our Many Faces of Thomas page. Perhaps the best way to understand the profound effects Thomas the Tank Engine has had on children with autism is to read the accounts first-hand. Read the stories that some readers have sent to us. We would love to hear about your experiences as well. Please drop us an email at asd@myfavoritetoys.com with your stories about Thomas and children with ASD. Resources Hannah Brown, “Autistic Kids Make Connection with Thomas,” New York Post, July 26, 2000. Page 57. The National Autistic Society, London, England. “Do children with autism spectrum disorders have a special relationship with Thomas the Tank Engine and, if so, why?” Research undertaken by Aidan Prior Communications. February, 2002. www.nas.org.uk
Also on this website:
For many children with autism and other Autism Spectrum Disorders, Thomas the Tank Engine serves as a gateway into the world of understanding emotions. in a 2002 study by the National Autistic Society in the UK, researchers found that some children were able to make significant leaps in emotional development that were previously unimaginable. (You can read more about the study here.)
Go to website to see the many faces of Thomas.
So, Jais has a new obsession with Thomas- and I knew about this show, but it is only by accident that I discovered discounted tickets and quiet rooms for these shows- some of them have already passed, but there are plenty shows still to come!
from website: http://www.autismspeaks.org/sponsoredevents/thomas_dates.php
Thomas & Friends TM Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes to Town
Autism Speaks is partnering with Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes to Town, to bring special performances across the country tailored to children with autism and their families. AEG/ThemeSTAR will donate one dollar to Autism Speaks from each ticket sold for these special performances and will also offer a discount on tickets to our families. Select performances will have a quiet room.
Check out a Thomas & Friends performance in your town!
Sat., January 31, 2009 – Los Angeles, Calif.
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Nokia Theatre
Quiet Room Location: Nokia Boardroom
Ticket Price: $15 for all seats except P1
Discount Code: AUTISM
www.ticketmaster.com
Tues., February 3, 2009 – Ontario, Calif.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Citizen Business Bank Arena
Quiet Room Location: TBD
Ticket Price: $15 for all seats except P1
Discount Code: AUTISM
www.ticketmaster.com
Fri., February 6, 2009 – Costa Mesa, Calif.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Segerstrom Hall
Quiet Room Location: TBD
Ticket Price: $15 for all seats except P1
Discount Code: 8735
www.ocpac.org
Tues., February 10, 2009 – Bakersfield, Calif.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Rabobank Theatre
Quiet Room Location: TBD
Ticket Price: $10 for all seats except P1
Discount Code: AUTISM
www.ticketmaster.com
Fri., April 17, 2009 – New York, N.Y.
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Beacon Theatre
Quiet Room Location: TBD
Ticket Price: $20 for all seats except P1 & P2
Discount Code: AUTISM
www.ticketmaster.com
Tues., June 2, 2009 – Grand Prairie, Texas
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Nokia Theatre
Quiet Room Location: TBD
Ticket Price: $15 for all seats except P1
Discount Code: AUTISM
www.ticketmaster.com
Tues., June 16, 2009 – Uniondale, N.Y.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Nassau Coliseum
Quiet Room Location: TBD
Ticket Price: $15 for all seats except P1 & P2
Discount Code: AUTISM
www.ticketmaster.com
Fri., June 19, 2009 – Newark, N.J.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Prudential Center
Quiet Room Location: TBD
Ticket Price: $15 for all seats except P1 & P2
Discount Code: AUTISM
www.ticketmaster.com
Jais just got home from school 5 minutes ago, and said “apple” to request his snack- on his own- no prompts. Then when he saw a new box I got in the mail said “help” – asking me to open it. When I grabbed the antibacterial gel to wash his hands for snack time, he said “handsome”- relating it to lotions, which we call “handsomes”, and then said “sit down” as he sat down for his snack. I am so happy and feel so content right now. Sometimes I get so caught up in the day that I don’t even realize the magic that is happening all around me . . . What a beautiful day it is today!
I googled: movies autism and found this website:
http://www.autism.com/families/life/movies.htm
This is what they said, I’m kind of shocked. . . WDYT???
Autism in the Movies
Autism Research Institute — Spring 2007
This list contains only movies which were released in the cinemas, and all have been subsequently released on videocassette and/or DVD. There have been numerous made-for-television movies as well as television shows with an autistic character, but there are too many of these to list.
Most of the actors/actresses in the movies do a reasonable job of portraying a person with autistic traits. However, the majority do not provide an accurate description of the underlying cause of autism and may, in fact, either label a person as autistic who, given the circumstances presented, may not be, or fail to recognize the disorder and confuse it with another neurodevelopmental disorder.
If you are aware of any other movies not included on the list, please let us know!
Mozart and The Whale
Stars: Josh Hartnett, Radha Mitchell
Released: 2005
Director: Peter Naess
Length: 94 Minutes
A love story between two savants with Asperger’s syndrome whose social disparities sabotage their budding relationship. This film is based on the story of Jerry and Mary Newport.
I Am Sam
Stars: Sean Penn, Dakota Fanning, Michele Pfeiffer
Released: 1998
Director: Harold Becker
Length: 108 Minutes
The story of an autistic man living independently and functioning well in the real world until his life changes drastically when he becomes a father and is left to care for his small child.
The Other Sister
Stars: Juliette Lewis, Dianne Keaton, Giovanni Ribisi
Released: 1999
Director: Garry Marshall
Length: 127 Minutes
A girl with many autistic traits proves herself capable of living independently when she moves into an apartment and starts college.
Mercury Rising
Stars: Bruce Willis, Alec Baldwin, Miko Hughes
Released: 1998
Director: Harold Becker
Length: 108 Minutes
A brilliant 9-year-old autistic boy becomes a target for assassins after he breaks a top government code. An undercover FBI agent finds the boy hiding in his closet and protects him.
Cube
Stars: David Hewlett, Julian Richings, Helen Holloway
Released: 1997
Director: Vincenzo Natali
Length: 91 Minutes
This low-budget science-fiction drama, winner of a 1997 Toronto Film Festival prize for “Best Canadian First Feature,” depicts the plight of a group of people clad in prison-style uniforms and trapped in futuristic cube-like metal cells. One of the prisoners is Kazan, an autistic man.
Forest Gump
Stars: Tom Hanks, Sally Field, Robin Wright-Penn, Gary Sinise
Released: 1994
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Length: 135 Minutes
A best-picture winner presenting a comical view of the American experience from the 1940s to the 1980s as seen through the eyes of a man with some autistic traits.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?
Stars: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen
Released: 1993
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Length: 118 Minutes
Gilbert Grape lives in a small town where nothing much happens. The town’s most interesting resident is Gilbert’s autistic brother Arnie.
Little Man Tate
Stars: Dianne Weist, Harry Connick, Jr.
Released: 1991
Director: Jodie Foster
Length: 118 Minutes
Fred is a genius with many Aspberger’s traits. His mother, Dede is determined to protect Fred from opportunists who wish to exploit his intellect. An interesting insight into the emotions of a child with autistic traits.
Backstreet Dreams
Stars: Brooke Shields, Sherilyn Fenn, Tony Fields, Burt Young, Anthony Franciosa
Released: 1990
Director: Rupert Hitzig
Length: 104 Minutes
A gangster, with apparent mafia connections, winds up taking care of his autistic son. The child displays many autistic behaviors, such as social withdrawal, does not speak, and rocks. A graduate student decides to help the child as well as help the father leave the mafia.
Change of Habit
Stars: Elvis Presley, Mary Tyler Moore, Jane Elliot, Barbara McNair
Released: 1969
Director: William Graham
Length: 97 Minutes
Elvis plays a physician who runs a medical clinic in a poor neighborhood. Three nuns are sent to assist Elvis in his medical practice. A parent brings her girl to the clinic for an evaluation and treatment. The girl is diagnosed as having autism because she rocks, does not want to be held, and does not respond to sounds. Elvis treats the girl, and she begins to break out of her autism.
Run Wild, Run Free
Stars: Mark Lester, John Mills, Fiona Fullerton, Gordon Jackson
Released: 1969
Director: Richard C. Sarafian
Length: 100 Minutes
Mark Lester (of Oliver fame ), plays Philip Ransome, a northern English boy about 10 years old, who has been mute since age 3. He spends his days roaming the moors alone. His parents despair of a cure. Gradually Philip emerges from his shell. But the way out is full of heartbreak and setbacks.
House of Cards
Stars: Asha Menina, Kathleen Turner, Tommy Lee Jones, Esther Rolle
Released: 1993
Director: Michael Lessac
Length: 107 Minutes
A bright, young girl withdraws soon after her father is killed by falling off a cliff. She believes that by withdrawing socially and climbing tall structures, she will reunite with her father who she believes is near the moon. She exhibits many autistic characteristics, such as insistence on sameness, good coordination, lack of social interaction, and no language. At the end of the movie, the mother builds a circular tower which is similar to a tower the child built from playing cards. The mother climbs the tower with her daughter, and the girl comes out of her autistic-like state.
Killer Diller
Stars: Lucas Black, Fred Willard, William Lee Scott, Ashley Johnson
Released: 2004
Director: Tricia Brock
Length: 107 Minutes
A guitar playing car thief meets an autistic savant piano player, and together they transform a group of reluctant halfway house convicts into The Killer Diller Blues Band
Rain Man
Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino
Released: 1988
Director: Barry Levinson
Length: 140 Minutes
A car dealer returns to his boyhood home soon after learning about his father’s death. His father left a large sum of money to a benefactor, who he later discovers is left to his autistic brother, Raymond. Raymond was institutionalized soon after his mother’s death because of the fear that he might accidentally hurt his younger brother. Raymond has many autistic features, such as perseverations, insistence on sameness, rocking, self-injury, and savant abilities. Throughout the movie, the car dealer gets to know his brother during a cross-country car trip. (Dr. Rimland was the technical advisor on this movie ).
Silence (also known as Crazy Jack and The Boy)
Stars: Will Geer, Ellen Geer, Ian Geer, Richard Kelton
Released: 1974
Director: John Korty
Length: 99 Minutes
An autistic child is lost during a camping trip and is befriended by a hermit. The child leaves the hermit’s house and is then faced with the dangers of the woods. He is later rescued.
The Pit
Stars: Sammy Snyders, Richard Alden, Jeannie Elias, Laura Hollingsworth
Released: 1981
Director: Lew Lehman
Length: 97 Minutes
Twelve year-old Jamie Benjamin (Sammy Snyder) is a misunderstood lad. His classmates pick on him, his neighbors think he’s weird and his parents ignore him. But now Jamie has a secret weapon: deep in the woods he has discovered a deep pit full of man-eating creatures he calls Trogs…and it isn’t long before he gets an idea for getting revenge and feeding the Trogs in the process!
The Boy Who Could Fly
Stars: Jay Underwood, Lucy Deakins, Fred Savage, Colleen Dewhurst, Fred Gwynne, Louise Fletcher
Released: 1986
Director: Nick Castle
Length: 114 Minutes
A teenager with autism is sent to live with his uncle after his parents die in an airplane crash. The teenager exhibits many features of autism such as social withdrawal, no languge, and stereotypic behaviors. A girl who lives in a house next door befriends the teenager. Initially, she becomes his friend, but later she becomes his tutor. After much one-on-one contact, the teenager becomes more aware of other people and starts to show emotions. Because of his uncle’s alcohol problem, the teenager is sent to an institution. At the end of the movie, the teenager flew away to avoid being institutionalized.
Recent Comments