Martha's Journey: From Despair to Hope for Rachael

0:00It's April 5th, Global News Today starts now, AI-powered and worldwide, and Cory with the story. Two years back in Malawi, a mom named Martha almost poisoned her 4-year-old daughter, Rachel, who has autism. Overwhelmed by the girl's non-stop energy, biting and silence, Martha hid rock bottom from depression and isolation. But she backed out at the last second, and now they share joyful moments, all thanks to expert help turning things around. Rachel got linked to St. John of God, a church-funded group in Muzoo offering therapy, counseling for parents and a special school. Martha and her husband found real support there, helping Rachel start speaking and chilling out more. This spot handles hundreds of kids yearly with disabilities, like autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, neighbors shun Martha, blaming her for Rachel's behavior and telling her to lock the kid away. In Malawi, autism gets misunderstood as witchcraft, or just trouble, with no word for it in Chichita,

1:00the main language. Over 22 million people share just two developmental pediatricians and three psychiatrists nationwide. While St. John runs awareness sessions for elders, busting myths like bewitching, causing autism, many still chase traditional healers. One mom spent $15 on herbs and cuts for her nonverbal 5-year-old son, believing Satan hexed him, no medical proof, no change. Government mental health is thin, mostly one hospital far off. These stories spotlight how charities fill huge gaps, pushing to see disability as different ability. Martha adores her girl now and shares to urge other families to seek real help sooner, sparking hope amid the stigma.