‘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

Two years ago, Martha Ongwane stood on the verge of ending her daughter Rachael’s life. Now, she gazes at her energetic, giggling four-year-old with affection, unable to imagine the despair that once consumed her. Rachael, a non-verbal child with autism, had been a source of frustration and isolation, pushing Martha to the brink. She had even considered poisoning her to end the struggle, believing it would bring relief to her family.

“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. “But my heart didn’t let me. I changed my mind and cried so much.”

Today, the mother and daughter share a quiet, loving moment in their home in Mzuzu, northern Malawi. Rachael climbs onto Martha’s lap as she prepares lunch, a simple meal of maize porridge served with vegetables. The shift in their relationship is remarkable, but it stems from a critical intervention: access to specialized care. During a visit to Mzuzu Central Hospital, Rachael was referred to Saint John of God, a charity that supports children with developmental challenges.

Funded largely by the Catholic Church, the organization offers community-based mental health services and a school tailored for children with special educational needs. For Martha and her husband, it became a turning point. Alongside therapy, they found a network of support and educators who helped navigate Rachael’s unique behaviors. “The transformation has been incredible,” Martha says, her tone filled with gratitude.

Yet, this progress is rare. Global statistics reveal that over 60 million people worldwide are on the autism spectrum, according to the World Health Organization. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences communication, social interactions, and perception. Its effects vary widely, from intense focus and vivid memory to challenges in daily routines. However, in Malawi, most cases go unnoticed, often due to a lack of resources.

The nation has only two developmental pediatricians for a population exceeding 22 million and three consultant psychiatrists. In the Chichewa language, the term “autism” is unfamiliar, commonly replaced with “ozelezeka” (mental challenge) or “ofuntha” (troublemaker). Misunderstandings are widespread, with some believing autism stems from witchcraft. At a local community gathering, religious leaders debate the condition, sharing theories about magic affecting pregnant women.

Christopher Mhone, a representative from Saint John of God, acknowledges these misconceptions but uses the sessions to challenge them. “For a woman to feel like she should kill her child,” he reflects, “as a nation, we have failed her. Her burden became so unbearable that she lost the strength to cope.” He emphasizes that autism care largely relies on NGOs and charities, as government support remains limited. Basic assessments and referrals are available at local clinics, but specialized treatment is scarce.