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Joseph Peterson missing: Hunt for autistic teen who has not been seen for 10 days

Joseph Peterson: Natrona County Sheriffs Office
Joseph Peterson: Natrona County Sheriffs Office

Police have launched a massive search to find an autistic teen who has been missing for 10 days since he walked out of his home in the US.

Joseph Peterson left his home in Wyoming on November 10 and officials believe he may not have been wearing shoes.

The 16-year-old was wearing only a red hoodie and pyjama bottoms as he ventured out over rough terrain during a cold spell for the western state.

Locals, federal agencies, drones, helicopters, police dogs, horses and hundreds of volunteers have joined in the hunt for the missing boy.

Natrona County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Ellis said during a news conference the next day that Peterson "is autistic who functions at a higher level, but is not self-sufficient and does not problem-solve at an age-appropriate level."

"Joseph has no concept of action versus consequence," Ellis said. The teen's decision to leave the house was a "misguided choice," and "foul play is not suspected," Ellis added.

The sheriff department, who responded within 20 minutes to the missing person report, quickly discovered foot impressions which confirmed the direction of travel when he left the house.

Matching impressions were found Saturday miles away from the Peterson residence and "provided a general direction of travel through very steep mountainous terrain", said the Sheriff's office.

Natrona Country, where the Peterson's live, has been warned to expect snow and strong winds this week.

Police have been overwhelmed with donations of water and high-calorie food for crews and now hundreds have helped in the search.

"We’re trying to find Joey alive, and that's what we want to do," Natrona County Sheriff's Office spokesman, Taylor Courtney said.