‘I adore her now’: Mother learns to cope with child’s autism in a country with little help
‘I adore her now’: Mother learns to cope with child’s autism in a country with little help
A New Beginning
Martha Ongwane now gazes with deep affection at her lively, giggling four-year-old daughter, Rachael. Two years ago, the same mother had considered ending her child’s life, overwhelmed by her struggles. Rachael, non-verbal and prone to biting, had left Martha feeling helpless and isolated.
From Despair to Hope
Her neighbors in Malawi once ostracized her, blaming her for Rachael’s behavior. Told to lock her daughter away, Martha found little comfort or understanding. At her lowest, she even prepared poison, intending for Rachael to drink it.
“I told myself it would be better if she died because that would mean she would rest and that would be the end of our problems,” Martha recalls, her voice trembling as she looks down at her hands.
Yet, her heart refused to let her go through with it. After crying uncontrollably, she changed her mind, finding solace in the idea of a second chance.
Access to Support
Today, mother and daughter share a tender moment at home in Mzuzu, northern Malawi. Rachael clings to Martha’s lap while she chops vegetables for lunch, the scent of maize porridge filling the air. This shift is largely thanks to the family’s connection with Saint John of God, an organization offering aid to children with developmental challenges.
Funded by the Catholic Church, the group provides community-based mental health services and a school for those with special needs. For Martha and her husband, this support became a lifeline, offering not just care for Rachael but also counseling to help them navigate their emotions.
Broader Context
According to the World Health Organization, Rachael is one of over 60 million people globally on the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and perception. Its impact varies, with some individuals displaying traits like focused attention or creative problem-solving.
Yet, in many regions, autism remains overlooked. In Malawi, for instance, only two developmental pediatricians and three consultant psychiatrists serve a population exceeding 22 million. The term “autism” is rarely used, often replaced by words like “ozelezeka” or “ofuntha,” which imply mental disability or misbehavior.
Changing Perceptions
At a local community center, religious leaders from Christian and Muslim backgrounds gather on green plastic chairs to discuss autism. These sessions aim to challenge misconceptions, such as the belief that witchcraft causes the condition. One participant claims magic can be cast on pregnant women, leading to autism in children.
“For a woman to come to a point where she feels like she should kill her child— as a nation we have failed her,” says Christopher Mhone of Saint John of God. “Her burden has become so impossible to bear that she does not have the emotional and psychological capacity to cope.”
Mhone emphasizes that most autism care in Malawi comes from NGOs and charities. While basic assessments are available at local clinics, government-run programs are limited, leaving many families without adequate resources.
