Mother Learns to Cope with Child's Autism in Malawi
Her daughter Rachael has autism and cannot talk or sit still.
People in Martha's community did not understand Rachael's condition.
They did not know how to help her.
Martha was very sad and wanted to hurt Rachael.
She thought it would be better if Rachael died.
But Martha could not do it and felt very guilty.
Now Martha and Rachael are happy together.
Rachael plays and hugs her mother.
The family got help from a special organization.
They went to a hospital and met a kind doctor.
The doctor sent them to a special school.
The school helps children with autism and other disabilities.
Martha and her husband got counseling too.
They learned how to take care of Rachael.
But many people in Malawi do not get this help.
There are not enough doctors to help children with autism.
People in Malawi do not understand autism.
They think it is caused by witchcraft.
A organization is trying to teach people about autism.
They are talking to community leaders.
The leaders are learning about autism.
They are starting to understand.
A man from the organization is helping Martha.
He says that people need to learn about autism.
The government is not doing enough to help.
There is only one hospital for mental health.
The organization is trying to fill the gap.
A mother took her son to a traditional healer.
The healer said she could cure the son.
But the healer was not a real doctor.
The son did not get better.
The healer was just pretending to help.
The mother was disappointed.
Martha is happy that she got help for Rachael.
Rachael is going to a special school.
She is learning to talk and play.
The school is helping many children.
The organization wants to help more children.
They want to teach people about disability.
They want people to understand.
Martha is grateful for the help.
She wants to help other mothers.
She is happy to have Rachael in her life.
Martha loves Rachael very much.
Reported by BBC Africa.
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