KANNUR: Overcoming the challenges of autism, four-year-old Daniel set a world record by swimming in Vembanad lake. He completed a five-kilometre swim and is now the youngest person with a disability under ten years old to swim such a long distance. Daniel trained in swimming as part of water therapy.

He is the son of Praful Joseph, who lives in Mangalore, and Aishwarya, a nurse in Ireland. Daniel hails from Pariyaram Alakympalam, Kannur, and currently stays with his grandmother, Shanti M Babu, in Pariyaram. His autism symptoms were noticed at the age of three. He received therapy at a Child Development Centre in Kottayam, but there was little improvement.

Shanti then learned about water therapy, and Daniel began swimming training at Jeevan Raksha Swimming Academy in Kottayam. Since then,

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