Kong Wei Yang wears hand restraints, a mouth guard and face mask to help prevent him from injuring himself. His parents must remain alert because his involuntary movements can strike without warning. (Suriana Welfare Society pic)PUCHONG: An ordinary chair bought from IKEA has become part of contractor Kong Hean Fui’s daily struggle to protect his 15-year-old son from hurting himself.

He has adapted it with makeshift straps to help keep Kong Wei Yang safe when involuntary movements take hold of his body. The force can be so intense that the restraints repeatedly need repairing or replacing.

When Wei Yang’s spasms strike without warning, he may slam his feet against the floor or bite his fingers so hard that his parents struggle to free them without causing further injury. Sometimes, both must step in to restrain him.