Dale started showing autistic tendencies almost straight after his birth, he had a very severe case, becoming obsessed first with Mickey Mouse, refusing to wear anything without a Mickey label for some time, and later with Thomas the Tank Engine, spending hours watching the program. His parents, Nuala and Jamie Gardner, as well as his grandparents turned this to their advantage. using the expressions on the trains' faces to try and break though the autistic tendency of being almost unable to understand others' emotions.