BBC News Africa

Life on the Spectrum - BBC Africa Eye Documentary

Globally, more than 60 million people live on the autism spectrum according to the World Health Organization, with millions more impacted as families and caregivers. #BBCAfricaEye reveals the extreme realities for those living with autism in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica In Malawi, parents raising autistic children confront fear, stigma, and impossible choices. From desperation to determination, three Malawian families reveal to Africa Eye the painful realities of living with autism. Natasha seeks traditional healing for her young son, paying $15 in an attempt for his soul to be returned, Martha shares how she reached breaking point and considered taking her own daughter's life, and Onil and Angela explain the fear, devastation and acceptance in learning that two of their children are on the spectrum. This film investigates the reality for families living with autism in Malawi. Despite a population of over 22 million, there is only one government-run psychiatric referral hospital in the whole country. The experiences of families in Malawi are extreme, yet the challenges they face and their fight for understanding resonates across borders. Through powerful clips from across the continent, this investigation examines how stigma, ignorance and scarce resources leave millions excluded from vital care. 00:00 A world that fears difference 03:20 Caged for seven years 04:10 No word for 'autism' 06:31 Heartbroken that my child has no future 09:27 A bewitched child? 11:27 Seeking healing 13:00 Price of a soul 16:07 Religious intervention: a communion of leaders 18:40 Destigmatisation 20:06 Martha: Mocked that the hospital was our home 22:00 A mother pushed to breaking point 25:11 Systemic support? 26:41 Out of hiding: From isolation to community 30:17 Onil and Angela: Raising two autistic sons 36:26 Will the world accept my child? 39:01 A special bond 41:25 Disturbing methods of healing 🎞️ Watch more investigative journalism from our award-winning #BBCEye investigations team at this documentary playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4fa8LK1lptsvoA_spfJhzda You may also be interested in watching these BBC Africa Eye documentaries: https://youtu.be/klDKf2tUMX8 https://youtu.be/YumUR_ZHu1Q https://youtu.be/NoKSMzwKpSM https://youtu.be/tI3AKMFgVKQ https://youtu.be/HM7pVuQ1YKU Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ #Malawi #Documentary #AutismAwareness #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #Autism #Parenting #MentalHealth #WorldAutismAcceptanceMonth #WAAM26 #BBCAfrica