News Summary
Eva Erickson, a doctoral student at Brown University, has become the first openly autistic contestant on CBS’s ‘Survivor,’ finishing in second place. In a recent podcast, she challenged claims about autism made by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., emphasizing the importance of acceptance and understanding. Throughout her experience, Erickson showcased her strengths while addressing the challenges of her condition. Her journey highlights her resilience and commitment to advocating for the autism community while pursuing her academic and athletic goals.
Providence, Rhode Island – Eva Erickson, a doctoral student at Brown University, has made history as the first openly autistic contestant on CBS’s competition series “Survivor.” Erickson distinguished herself by finishing in second place during Season 48, narrowly missing the chance to win the $1 million grand prize.
In a recent appearance on the Rhode Island Report podcast, Erickson addressed controversial remarks made by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. concerning autism. She firmly rejected his claims that autism can “destroy families” and that autistic children would have difficulties with employment or forming romantic relationships, characterizing these statements as fundamentally incorrect. Erickson stated unequivocally that being autistic is not an inherent flaw, highlighting her pride in representing the autism community on a national platform and aiming to challenge prevalent misconceptions.
Throughout her time on “Survivor,” Erickson encountered various challenges that tested her resilience. One notable moment occurred during a fire-starting challenge, where she experienced a sensory overload episode associated with her autism. She later expressed that the portrayal of this moment on the reality show did not fully encapsulate the intensity of her experience. Following this challenge, Erickson recognized the significance of sharing her personal struggles with her fellow contestants, fostering empathy and connection.
Erickson views her autism as both her “biggest strength and my greatest weakness.” Her exceptional mathematical abilities, which she attributes to her condition, provided her with an advantage in solving puzzles during the show’s challenges. In an effort to maintain a competitive edge, she often downplayed her intellectual capabilities, deliberately miscalculating at times to avoid appearing as a threat to other contestants.
A Minnesota native, Erickson has demonstrated versatility outside of her academic pursuits. She has a well-established history in sports, having made her mark as the first woman to join the men’s ice hockey club team at Georgia Tech. Currently, she serves as the captain of the men’s club hockey team at Brown University. This leadership role complements her initiative to run a charity project that sells merchandise, with all proceeds benefitting Minnesota Special Hockey.
Erickson’s journey has been nothing short of transformative. Once told she might not be able to live independently, she has grown into a prominent figure in both academia and athletics. During her time on “Survivor,” she candidly shared her autism diagnosis with contestants and host Jeff Probst, leading to several poignant moments that underscored the importance of acceptance and understanding.
The competitive season was filmed in the scenic Mamanuca Islands of Fiji, where Erickson faced unique trials, including unexpected encounters with wildlife, such as being clawed by crabs while she slept. She drew parallels between the obstacles presented in “Survivor” and her Ph.D. studies in engineering, specifically in fluid and thermal science. Both experiences necessitated resilience and determination, qualities that she believes will serve her well in her future career.
Looking ahead, Erickson plans to focus on the sports equipment industry after obtaining her Ph.D., with a specific interest in vibration suppression technologies. Her dual commitment to her studies and her initiatives within the autism community exemplifies her leadership and pioneering spirit as she forges a path for others.
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HERE Resources
Eva Erickson: The First Openly Autistic Contestant on Survivor
Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Monthly
- Providence Journal
- Boston Globe
- WPRI
- Brown Daily Herald
- Wikipedia: Autism
- Google Search: Eva Erickson Survivor
- Google Scholar: Eva Erickson
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Autism
- Google News: Eva Erickson
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
