A 12-YEAR-OLD boy with special educational needs is believed to be the youngest person ever to trek to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world.

Winton School student Joshua Wilson’s achievement in reaching the Everest landmark is all the more remarkable because he suffers from the learning disability, autism.

He was accompanied on his trek by his police officer father Nick Wilson, who lives in London, and friend Bob Gurr. The trio were supported by a local guide and porter.

His mother Taz Wilson, of Charminster, said: “He didn’t have much self-esteem. We thought: ‘What could we possibly do to build up his confidence?’ We got special permission from the Nepalese government, but he wasn’t allowed to go any further than the glacier because of his age.”

The group flew from Kathmandu to the tiny mountain airstrip at Lukla, walking up the Dudh Khosi valley and beyond Gorak Shep, site of the first base camp used by the 1953 expedition that first conquered Mount Everest.

“He found it very tough, but he wanted to see snow. He was a bit disappointed because the snow was late arriving and there wasn’t much around,” said Taz.

“Josh had a breakdown four years ago and wouldn’t leave the house. He’s quite shy and his autism tends to be quite debilitating for him.

“He has been in and out of education but since he has been at the Pupil Referral Unit, he has come on so far and so fast. He’s made quite a lot of friends.

“He has come back from his trip a different boy. He has a lot more self-confidence and was able to give a presentation on Everest at school. I’m so proud of him.”