12 years old girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder achieved extraordinary feat
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in
Jiya Rai, a 12-year-old daughter of a Naval sailor Madan Rai, created history by swimming from Bandra-Worli Sea Link to Gateway of India, a distance of 36 Km in 08 hrs and 40 minutes on 17 Feb 21. She is a known case of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and dedicated the swimming feat to raise awareness about Autism. She commenced her record setting feat in the early morning hours of 17 Feb 21 at 0350 hrs from Bandra-Worli Sea Link and completed at Gateway of India at 1230 hrs. The swimming event was conducted under observation of Swimming Association of Maharashtra, a recognised body of Swimming Federation of India. The event was also associated with FIT India Movement by Ministry of Youth and Sports Affair.
The award ceremony was held at Gateway of India on 17 Feb 21. Miss Jiya Rai was felicitated with a trophy by Ms Zarir N Baliwala, President of Greater Mumbai Amateur Aquatic Association (GMAAA).
Jiya Rai had earlier swum from Elephanta Island to Gateway of India, distance of 14 Km in 03 hrs 27 minutes and 30 sec on 15 Feb 20 and holds world record for youngest girl with ASD to swim 14 km in open waters.
About Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. People with ASD have:
- Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
- Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
- Symptoms that hurt the person’s ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life
Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. ASD occurs in all ethnic, racial, and economic groups. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function.
February 18,2021
