Harinasv was only 4.5 years old then and was the first in the family to be diagnosed with the condition.
Asperger’s is a developmental disorder that is part of the autism spectrum disorder, with individuals typically experiencing difficulty with social interaction and relating to others.
“At that time, I didn’t know such a condition existed. I didn’t know about autism. So, I started looking for information to learn how I could help my son,” Ganesen, 54, told FMT Lifestyle.
Over the years, Ganesen, a single parent, has attributed his son’s progress to consistent support and unconditional love from those around him. Today, 18-year-old Harinasv has come a long way.
In the early days, he would scream and lash out in anger whenever Ganesen corrected him for misbehaving.
“Now, when I scold him, he realises his mistake, comes over and says, ‘I’m sorry, appa’,” said Ganesen, who works as an insurance agent and e-hailing driver – jobs that allow him to spend more time with his son.
Still, Ganesen hopes for greater awareness and inclusion for members of the autism community in Malaysia. That’s why initiatives that promote understanding and inclusivity mean a lot to him – like a Father’s Day celebration with autistic children that was held in Klang on June 14, organised by Pertubuhan Sayang Malaysia (Persama) and Green Yoga.
Next, Ganesen plans to register Harinasv for the “Jigsaw Puzzle Championship for Autism”, another initiative by Persama and Green Yoga, as he believes it will benefit his son.
Launched on June 20 at Persama’s office in Puchong, the event aims to provide a platform for individuals with autism to showcase their strengths and capabilities, in addition to promoting inclusivity.
Persama, of which Ganesen is a member, is an NGO that provides support, capacity building and outreach activities for families of autistic individuals nationwide. Their services are provided free to B40 communities.
Green Yoga, meanwhile, is an organisation that promotes the health benefits of yoga for individuals with autism.
But why jigsaw puzzles? Naneecharam Muniandy, the founder of Green Yoga and a single mother to two autistic children, has seen their positive impact on her kids firsthand.
“When my daughter was five, I saw her working on a small jigsaw puzzle by herself. She used to walk around constantly, but working on the puzzles helped her to stay seated and focused,” recalled Naneecharam, 40.
“Now, at seven years old, she can complete nearly 200-piece puzzles on her own without any guidance. That’s when I realised – if my daughter can do it, I’m sure other autistic children can too.”
She added that her son also developed an interest in jigsaw puzzles after watching his sister.
Apart from boosting concentration, jigsaw puzzles can help improve one’s fine motor, problem-solving and visual-spatial skills. It can also bring calmness and relaxation, build perseverance and patience as well as support cognitive development.
Thila Laxshman, 48, the founder of Persama and a single mother to an autistic son, said: “We want parents to understand that they need to take the first step to participate in events like this that promote inclusion.
“They need to feel safe to be a part of it without worrying about what others say,” Thila said about individuals with autism. “We are a community that offers love and care.”
‘Jigsaw Puzzle Championship for Autism’
Date: Nov 8 & 9 (Saturday & Sunday)
Venue: To be confirmed
Entry fees:
- 50% discount for Persama members
- RM100 for non-members
Entry requirements:
- Age 4 and above
- OKU card or a doctor’s diagnosis report is compulsory
Over RM7,000 in cash prizes to be won. To register, click here. Registration closes at midnight, Oct 15.
For more information, send a WhatsApp message to 017-721 1859. Follow ‘Jigsaw Puzzle Championship for Autism’ on Facebook for more updates.
Learn more about Persama on Facebook.