Autistic Teen Rescued After 6 Days in Australian Wilderness
An autistic teen survived six days in the wilderness and was found by search crews in good health.
2 min read
A 17-year-old autistic boy was rescued alive and in good spirits after spending six days and nights lost in the rugged woodlands of eastern Australia. The teen, identified as William, was found peacefully sleeping on a flat rock and then greeted rescuers with a grin, according to reports.
Rescue After Intense Search
William was discovered by a search crew on a police helicopter on Thursday near Walhalla, a former gold-mining town about 115 miles east of Melbourne. Despite the challenging terrain, he was found just 1.2 miles from his original campsite. The search involved over 100 emergency workers and volunteers who combed through the dense alpine region for days.
Autism and Elopement
William, who has Level 2 autism, was dropped off by his mother for a weekend camping trip with a friend. He wandered back toward the drop-off area and disappeared. Autism experts note that individuals with this condition often engage in ‘elopement’—goal-directed wandering toward specific objects or places like water or fans.
Survival and Reunion
William, who wore shorts and boots but was shirtless and sunburned, used towels as blankets to stay warm. He was in good health when reunited with his mother, Elizabeth, and was taken to a hospital for medical monitoring. Elizabeth expressed relief, stating, “I’m just over the moon that he’s alive,” while joking about grounding him for life.
Community and Support
William’s family noted the mild Southern Hemisphere spring weather and low rainfall helped him survive the ordeal. His case is the second reported this month by Breitbart News of a young person surviving in the wild and being found in good spirits, following a similar incident in Kentucky with an autistic six-year-old.
Autism and Resilience
Autism experts suggest that individuals with certain types of autism may not panic in life-threatening situations, instead focusing on their goals. William’s calm demeanor during his ordeal highlights the unique ways in which people with autism navigate challenging circumstances.
Source: Breitbart
