Martha Ongwane looks adoringly at her bouncy, giggling four-year-old, unable to believe that just two years ago she had wanted to kill her.
Non-verbal, biting and unable to sit still, her daughter Rachael, who had been diagnosed with autism, had slowly overwhelmed Martha leaving her desperate and depressed.
She was shunned by her neighbours in the east African country of Malawi, who blamed her for what Rachael was doing. Martha was told to lock her little girl inside. There was no sympathy, and little understanding of autism and how it should be treated.
Martha describes how she had poured poison into a cup, intending 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. [But] my heart didn't let me. I changed my mind and cried so much, she says softly, looking down at her hands.
Two years on, it is hard to imagine that scene as mother and daughter share a loving moment. The transformation has been incredible and is largely down to the family getting access to expert care. Rachael was referred to Saint John of God, an organisation that helps disabled children, where they also provided Martha with counselling.
Once isolated and stigmatised, the couple found a support network and educators who were able to deal with Rachael's issues. Yet, most families in similar situations are not as lucky. Access to quality healthcare is limited in Malawi, with the government providing only minimal support for autism.
Meanwhile, Natasha Lusinje took her son, Shalom, to a traditional healer, reflecting a wider belief in witchcraft among many in Malawi as a cause for autism. This story contrasts the challenges faced by families navigating stigma and lack of resources with those fortunate enough to find supportive care and understanding.
Martha hopes that sharing her story will help others, emphasizing, I adore her now.
