Autistic boy's slow and steady progress

Overcoming the odds: Naavalan (right) with his parents and cousin in Australia.

THE first article on Nivan Annal ( The Star, March 26) was touching as my 20-year-old nephew Naavalan Jayakumar had an almost similar experience.

His early years at home and school were emotionally traumatic not just for him but for the family too. Naavalan was born with breathing difficulties and had to be incubated. According to his mother, Mala, her son used to sleep for long hours.