This Chennai boy conquers Palk Strait – and autism

16-year-old Haresh Barath Mohan, who suffers from autism spectrum disorder, successfully swam the 32-km Palk Strait from Sri Lanka to Rameswaram in 11 hours and 52 minutes. Despite the windy conditions, Haresh only took short breaks to hydrate himself with tender coconut water. He is the second child with autism to complete the swim in recent years. Swimming was recommended as an activity to reduce hyperactivity in autistic children. Haresh’s achievement earned him a certificate from the Asia Book of Records.