South African youth Aidan Martin climbs Everest: advocating for autism awareness

When Aidan Martin reached Everest Base Camp earlier this year, it wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a deeply emotional journey with a purpose close to his heart. As someone with several neurodivergent family members, Aidan’s climb to the foot of the world’s highest peak became a powerful symbol of the daily struggles faced by children and families living with autism.

The 18-year-old from Retreat had been trying to make a difference in his community ever since he lost his best friend to suicide in 2021 — a loss that changed the course of his life.

“I knew I couldn’t just sit at home and do nothing,” he shared softly. “I needed to help the youth, especially in underprivileged areas. Mental health is where it starts — my best friend struggled silently, and he never spoke about it.”

He described himself as shy, but when he speaks, his words land with calm certainty and quiet determination.

“My cousins and a few of my friends are on the autism spectrum. It’s so important to break the stigma, to show people that neurodivergent children are not just different — they are brilliant and worthy of love and inclusion. We need to see them as our peers, our equals, our family.”

In April, as part of Autism Awareness Month, Aidan joined a trek to Everest Base Camp led by British adventurer Ant Middleton, organised in partnership with the Brain Performance Centre. But this wasn’t just about reaching the mountain — it was about highlighting the emotional and social mountains that families of autistic children face every day.

“The journey was brutal — physically, emotionally, mentally. I remember one point I was gasping for air, my body aching, thinking, I can’t do this. But then I reminded myself: One breath. One step at a time. That became my mantra.”

He credits his parents, aunty, Lezel Cook, teachers, loved ones and friends who encouraged him to keep pushing by cheering him on from home.

“I honestly don’t think I could’ve done it without them.”

The trek wasn’t just about raising awareness — it was about changing hearts. 

“I wanted people to be kinder,” Aidan said. “To be more patient. To support every child who’s ever been made to feel like they don’t belong.”

Aidan’s mother, Ronelle Martin, shared her pride in her son’s incredible achievement. “I am proud of Aidan… he has pushed his body and mind and accomplished and achieved a lifetime goal. I can’t be more proud of his sacrifice for such a good cause.”

Back home, Aidan stayed committed to his mission. He served on the Junior City Council and became active in a youth group called ARAN, which uses sport and art to build strong relationships and teach young people about resilience and empathy.

Looking ahead, Aidan plans to study law — a path he hopes will allow him to advocate even more effectively for mental health and inclusion.

He acknowledges every part of his journey — from the grief of losing a friend, to facing his own health challenges, to climbing one of the hardest terrains on earth — which he believes has shaped the young man he is becoming.

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Weekend Argus