As the summer holidays here in the UK draw to a close, we can reflect on all the amazing interactions we have had with young dinosaur fans.  We seem to spend most of our time being corrected by budding palaeontologists, keen to point out gaps in our dinosaur knowledge.  Many children develop a fascination for prehistoric animals.  Indeed, some go on to develop highly rewarding careers in the Earth sciences.  We are genuinely delighted, so pleased that they can develop their passion into a career.  We are aware that many children on the autism spectrum develop a fascination with the Dinosauria.  What is the link between dinosaurs and the autism spectrum?  That is an excellent question.

Children playing with dinosaur and prehistoric animal models.  Many children on the autism spectrum become obsessed with dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs and the Autism Spectrum

Every autistic person is different.  However, the Dinosauria provides plenty of scope for exploration and learning. Dinosaurs have captivated the imaginations of young people for generations, but this fascination often runs particularly deep among individuals on the autism spectrum.   The amount of facts associated with dinosaurs might be one motivation.  Individuals on the spectrum can thrive on structure and predictability.  Studying dinosaurs provides lots of scope for the comprehensive exploration of fossils, behaviours and anatomy. The extinct non-avian dinosaurs with their distinct names, classifications, and features, lend themselves to a deep dive into a structured yet imaginative realm.

A very colourful dinosaur drawing. Many children obsess on the Dinosauria and Everything Dinosaur receives many prehistoric animal drawings from young dinosaur fans.

Providing a Bridge for Social Interaction

We are not experts on autism, but we are contacted by many parents and guardians of autistic children.  We try to offer as much support as we can.  For example, we provide free prehistoric animal fact sheets, quizzes and dinosaur-themed teaching resources.  We understand that for some children learning about dinosaurs can provide a valuable outlet for them allowing them to express the creativity.   Drawings are sent to us, and we take the opportunity to provide supportive feedback and kind comments.

Moreover, dinosaurs can serve as an excellent bridge for social interaction. Sharing facts, engaging in discussions, or even participating in dinosaur-themed activities can create meaningful connections.  In addition, for children on the spectrum, social interactions can be a little less daunting if they are comfortable with the topic being discussed.  Sharing a fascination for all things dinosaur can enable the establishment of friendships based on mutual interest.

Some dinosaur models are great for sensory play.  Back in 2017, we wrote an article praising the tactile elements of dinosaur toys.  Our article featured the recently introduced Schleich Brachiosaurus figure.

The Schleich Brachiosaurus dinosaur model.  A model that is great for sensory play.  Is there a close connection between dinosaurs and the autism spectrum? Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To read our article from 2017 about the tactile qualities of a Schleich dinosaur model: The Tactile Qualities of the Schleich Brachiosaurus.

Schleich, the German-based figure manufacturer has done much to champion creative, imaginative play.  We too have a proud record of offering support and encouragement.  Whilst we might not be knowledgeable in this area, we understand that there is a link between a fascination for dinosaurs and the autism spectrum.

Dinosaur Toys and Sensory Experiences

The sensory experiences associated with dinosaurs also play a role. From the tactile elements of dinosaur toys to the visual stimulation of documentaries and books, these features can be incredibly engaging.   Many young people on the autism spectrum develop a passion for the Dinosauria.  We try our best to nurture this interest, to encourage and provide support.

Understanding this passion can help us appreciate the unique ways in which people on the spectrum connect with their interests and the world around them.

Now it’s time to turn back to our current project preparing a new dinosaur fact sheet that will (hopefully) help fuel and sustain a young person’s interest in prehistoric animals.

The award-winning and user friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

Everything Dinosaur welcomed Dean Burrows and Kyle Carson from Digital Cheshire to the company’s offices and warehouse this week.  Digital Cheshire offer small businesses in the Cheshire, Warrington and Halton area, access to a variety of training programmes.  Mike from Everything Dinosaur had participated, learning more about digital marketing.  As a result, Dean and Kyle visited Everything Dinosaur to get some feedback on the training.  In addition, they took the opportunity to film Mike and Sue and to talk about dinosaurs!

Sue from Everything Dinosaur with Dean Burrows (centre) and Kyle Carson (right) of Digital Cheshire.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur and Digital Marketing

Digital marketing can be a highly effective marketing strategy for companies. It enables Everything Dinosaur to reach new customers and to increase its global customer base. For example, it permits us to target our marketing messages to fans of prehistoric animal figures. Using a variety of digital platforms, we can identify customers who have an interest in dinosaur models. Everything Dinosaur can communicate effectively with its existing and with potential new customers.

Mike who had undergone the training explained:

“The greatest benefit of digital marketing training is the ability to keep up to date with developments.  The digital landscape is constantly changing, and those who invest in keeping their skills relevant are best positioned to take advantage of new opportunities and technologies as they emerge.”

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

When updating our website, it is important to keep the focus on our core business of dinosaur toys and models.  However, we think it is also important for customers to learn a little more about the people behind Everything Dinosaur.  It is time to examine and re-write the “About Us” page on our website.

The “About Us” page provides an introduction to the business and its values. It allows a company to highlight key moments in its history and development. Furthermore, it can provide information on company values and introduce the people who work in the organisation. After all, people do business with people, and we believe that it is essential to build trust and credibility with our audience.

The “About Us” Page on a Website

A well-crafted “About Us” page can demonstrate our passion for dinosaur toys and prehistoric animal models. It can provide visitors with a better understanding of who we are and what we do. Moreover, a carefully constructed “About Us” page can foster a sense of connection and transparency, which can lead to increased audience engagement.

Sharing a passion for dinosaur toys – Sue and Mike from Everything Dinosaur.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

At Everything Dinosaur, we believe that the importance of the “About Us” section should not be overlooked.

To view the Everything Dinosaur About Us page: About Everything Dinosaur.

It’s Not Just Dinosaur Toys and Models

The Everything Dinosaur website focuses on dinosaur toys and models.  However, it also provides customers with a window to view the company has a whole.  The “About Us” segment explains a little more “about us”.  It is an opportunity to build trust and to demonstrate our expertise in the supply of prehistoric animal figures.

This part of our website provides a location for the company overview and to state our core values. Furthermore, it is an ideal location to introduce team members. Industry awards, milestones and achievements can also be highlighted. Importantly, it is an ideal place to list contact details.

Details such as:

• Physical address.
• Telephone number(s).
• Email address.
• Confirmation of website address.

The aim should be to make it as easy as possible for customers to be able to contact you.

Don’t Forget the Images

Adding relevant, properly sized images can complement the text on the page.  It is important to use high-quality images, ones that are relevant and also optimised for site loading speed.  We have just added new images to our “About Us” page.  These images help to bring this part of our website to life and encourage engagement.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys, Models and Gifts.