World Cerebral Palsy Day falls on October 6 every year, providing an opportunity to highlight the experiences of people with cerebral palsy. SPD supports individuals with the condition in our programmes and Puvanashvaran s/o Rajindran, who attends the SPD Day Activity Centre, is one of them.
The child-like giant
Puvan, as he is affectionately known to his family and those at SPD, is a strapping young man that radiates the room with his wide smile and friendly chatter. The 32-year-old was born with global developmental delay, epilepsy and spastic quadriplegia, a form of cerebral palsy characterised by stiff muscles and increased muscle tone that affects all four limbs.
For much of his early life, Puvan was cared for by his mother Mdm Pushpavalli Shanti, who worked as a part-time postal worker. In their free time, they would watch cartoons together and share stories while navigating the complexities of his condition. His maternal uncle, Mr Mathi, stepped in whenever he could.
With adequate support, Puvan completed his education at a special education school in 2013, and joined the SPD Day Activity Centre (DAC). It is a place where Mdm Pushpavalli hoped Puvan would continue to grow as an individual.
Of routines and friendships at the DAC
Puvan picked up many life skills at the DAC. He arrives at the DAC by 9am every weekday and begins his morning routine of changing into his uniform and placing his bag in his personal locker. Puvan consistently demonstrates independence in completing his toileting and shows eagerness to help return work task materials once he completes them. Dancing and singing are activities that he enjoys most, evident from his hearty laughter and excited clapping.
Many individuals with spastic quadriplegia require assistance in their activities of daily living and use a wheelchair for mobility. The severity of the condition is dependent on several factors, including the person’s motor impairment, presence of additional symptoms (e.g. impaired cognition and speech, seizures and other associated health issues etc.) as well as their mobility and level of independence. In Puvan’s case, his right arm and ankle are visibly more affected due to the increased muscle tone and reduced joint mobility.
As part of his maintenance exercise regimen, professionals at the DAC support Puvan in achieving his weekly walking goals. “Puvan is now able to walk with more confidence and even helps his wheelchair-using peers,” said senior training officer Humsin Furzanne. “We have focused on exercises to strengthen his arms and legs, and to our delight, he now remembers the next steps in our weekly routines.”
More than just a structured environment, the DAC is also where Puvan found friends. He is always excited to see his friends Eddie and Yong Peng (above, left and right of Puvan respectively), smiling widely and gesturing animatedly as they go about their activities.
What lies ahead
Life took a heartbreaking turn in 2022 when Mdm Pushpavalli and Puvan’s stepfather passed away within a short span of time. SPD’s on-going support, along with subsidies for Puvan’s DAC fees, has helped ease the burden on Mr Mathi, who stepped up to care for Puvan while balancing his work and caregiving responsibilities.
Through all the highs and lows, one thing remains constant – Puvan’s spirit. He continues to connect with his friends at the DAC, actively participates in activities, and happily shares his day with anyone willing to listen.
For Mr Mathi, the peace of mind that comes from knowing his nephew is in good hands allows him to focus on his work. He also felt supported knowing that he is not alone in caring for Puvan. Together, they carry forward the love and care that Puvan’s mother had so devotedly given, ensuring that his journey continues with the support of family and community.
