HIT Entertainment's Thomas & Friends children's property has paired with Autism Spectrum Australia, or Aspect, to increase awareness about the disorder. Haven Licensing brokered the agreement.

This month, HIT Entertainment created Thomas & Friends stickers to generate gold coin donations to support Aspect. An Emotions Game has also been set up on Aspect's Web site to help kids identify feelings of happiness, sadness, anger and surprise.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Aspect to generate greater awareness about autism spectrum disorders through an icon in children's entertainment," says Adrian Ford, chief executive officer of Aspect. "We know children with autism relate particularly to Thomas and now we have the chance to build on that relationship."