6-Year-Old With Autism Is Youngest To Attend Oxford University

Mar 12, 2019 by apost team

Imagine being barely 10 years and getting the chance to study at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. At age 6, Joshua Beckford became the youngest person to attend Oxford University. Can you remember what you were doing at his age? If you are like most children, you were on your way out of kindergarten and just about to join 1st grade. On the other hand, Joshua did a number of courses and passed remarkably, earning a certificate of excellence.

Joshua Beckford’s father, Knox Daniel, discovered his son’s unique ability when he was only 10 months old. His son showed remarkable cognition skills at that time. Joshua had mastered the letters on the keyboard, and he could easily remember them when his father asked him to point them out. After that, Daniel decided to teach his son about colors and slowly moved on to other things.

When Joshua was 3 years old, his father taught him how to read using phonics. He also learned Japanese and how to use the touch-screen before knowing how to use a pencil or pen for writing. Then, when Joshua was 4 years old, he discovered his passion and what he wanted to do for the rest of his life – become a neurosurgeon. Daniel had a body simulator program on his laptop that Joshua loved. Whenever he was on his dad’s computer, Joshua would simulate operations and imagine himself carrying actual surgery on people.

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Using the simulator, Joshua managed to perform complex operations perfectly. Some of the procedures include a successful appendectomy, hernia removal, repair of a leg fracture, and cholecystectomy. He also learned how to fly shuttles using a flight simulator at the same age. That’s when he also developed an interest in astronomy.

Daniel was well aware that his son was unique and wanted him to progress even further in life; therefore, he decided to apply at Oxford University for a special learning program for children with incredible learning capabilities on behalf of Joshua. Interestingly, the course was aimed at minors between the age of 8 and 13. Hence, it came as a shock when the school decided to give Joshua a chance when he was just 6 years old.

Not to disappoint, Joshua never wasted his opportunity. At Oxford University, he took a course in philosophy and history and passed with distinction. Joshua also has a certificate from IXL, an online learning platform, for his ability to solve 29,000 mathematical problems. In 2012, Joshua won the National Black Youth Achievement Award (BYA) for his remarkable academic excellence.

Since Joshua showed incredible learning capabilities, being able to read before he was 3 years old. His dad decided to have him home schooled. He also has unique art skills, having drawn some of his masterpieces before he was 6 years old. His drawings were bought by different private collectors and prominent figures from different parts of the world. Thanks to his education at Oxford, Joshua is currently working on a children’s history book that will talk about Egypt’s early civilization.

Diane Abbott from the National Autistic Society invited Joshua to speak about autism at the House of Commons in 2013. He currently serves as the ambassador for the National Autistic Society’s Black and Minority Campaign. In his role, Joshua uses his influence to make people aware of the challenges that children with autism from minority families have to face before they can get the medical attention and support that they so desperately need.

Joshua’s efforts were awarded after he got the Positive Role Model Award in 2017 for his amazing work in raising awareness for minority children with autism across the UK. Earlier this year, Joshua was given a chance to spread his message across the world after being appointed the Low-Income Families Education (LIFE) ambassador for a boy’s mentoring program in various African countries: namely, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. Apart from that, Joshua also raises funds for three other international autism charities. The young boy is also quite passionate about saving the environment as witnessed by his performance of a poem on the same topic during a TED talk in Vienna.

Joshua isn’t one to shy away from sharing his knowledge with others. He has given powerpoint presentations on human anatomy at different fundraising events. His audience can range from 200 to 3000 people. Not surprisingly, Joshua rarely spends time with kids his age because he surpasses their thinking abilities. Most of the time, he is around teenagers or adults.

Being diagnosed with high-functioning autism, Joshua doesn’t like loud noises. He’s also very specific about which plate and spoon he uses for his meals. Other than that, he is just a remarkable young person that wants to change the world for the better. He is also among the top 30 most remarkable people in the world diagnosed with autism.

Well, what do you think about Joshua's story? Let us know in the comments what you were up to at age 6 and be sure to pass this article along to others – They'll be impressed!