There is something about trains that really appeals to many autistic children, boys in particular. I'm in the hobby business and we have quite a few families with autistic boys come in to buy trains. One in particular runs his trains so much they have to go out to our Lionel service man on a regular basis to replace the motor brushes. When he first started coming in he wouldn't talk to us, but now likes to tell us about his trains and about train videos that he has found on youtube. It's been fun to watch his growth and development. His dad is really supportive and I'm sure that helps a lot.
Michael Allen