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April is Autism Awareness month and for Thomas & Friends, it is the perfect time to celebrate Bruno, the new autistic brake car that joined the engines on Sodor just last September. Thomas & Friends are inviting parents and children alike to learn more about autism and autistic people through play, hoping to create more teachable opportunities and to remind us all that our differences are what make us better! Bruno the Brake Car is Mattel’s first autistic character created for Thomas & Friends. He is smart, relaxed, and joyful. As a brake car, his job is to keep big, heavy cargo steady with his strong brakes. He travels facing backwards at the rear of the train which gives him a unique perspective of the world. He is detail-oriented and likes routine; taking a special interest in the schedules, timetables and where all tracks lead - which is why he’s often entrusted with guiding other engines. Bruno was introduced on the 26th season of the TV series, Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go. Parents and kids who tune into the TV can enjoy watching the red brake car both at work and at play with his friends who love and accept him just the way he is. Bruno is also available for purchase as part of the engine assortment. “Every child is a gift. We believe that all children deserve to see themselves represented in the stories they hear and that must include neurodivergent kids. With Bruno, we hope to play a role in encouraging kids and parents alike to find joy in our differences and to show what it means to have a supportive community,” said Murat Ariksoy, General Manager, Mattel South Asia. Autistic kids will get to meet and play with Bruno the Brake Car, Thomas & Friends toys, and other Mattel brands of toys at NASOM Butterworth. The team at Thomas & Friends worked with Sunway Carnival Mall to set up a toy library at the Butterworth chapter of the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM). What’s more, each child supported by NASOM Butterworth was given their very own diecast of Bruno the Brake Car. Mattel and Sunway Carnival Mall presenting toys to representatives at NASOM Butterworth for the newly set up toy library. The brand also worked with Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Velocity to put together 100 “Autsome starter kits” that contain Thomas & Friends and Mattel toys, role-play toys, and books for B40 communities, in support of the outreach effort of Early Autism Project Malaysia (EAP). Meet Bruno at Sunway Pyramid Mattel, in collaboration with Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Velocity put together 100 “Autsome Starter Kits” for B40 communities of EAP outreach. Fans of Thomas & Friends who are interested in experiencing even more of Bruno and the other engines of Sodor can visit Sunway Pyramid, LG2, Central Avenue from 11 to 17 June. For more information, visit Thomas & Friends's YouTube and Facebook pages. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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