I really like the reality show, “Survivor”! Each season brings a new adventure from an exotic destination featuring a wide range of colorful contestants.
Like the saying goes, everyone has a story. I’ve heard many heartfelt stories from Survivor contestants over years, but this year’s story from Eva Erickson touched me so deeply, I just had to blog about her.
Eva, a Ph. D candidate, is the first Survivor contestant to openly discuss that she has autism. Now, I would guess there have probably been previous contestants who had autism or other disabilities, but Eva is the first to consent to share. She wanted to show the world that people with autism can do anything. Including competing on one of the world’s most popular and difficult reality game shows.
On a recent episode, Eva became overwhelmed while trying a task for her team to win immunity. As she tried and tried to get a tiny ball through a maze to drop into a pocket, you could see her stress levels rising to a point that it was kind of hard to watch. The competition was hard, but for a person with autism, the task was even more challenging.
Through sheer determination and the support of all the tribes (not just her own), Eva finally finished the competition successfully. Winning saved Eva and her whole team from having to go to tribal council.
One would probably think that was the end of this story. But after Eva successfully finished the competition, she became even more overwhelmed. I could relate to the way Eva was feeling, because after I’ve tried to do something independently that has taken a lot of concentration and physical effort, I’m wiped out afterwards.
Eva was having difficulty calming down, which is one of the challenges of having autism. She needed something or someone to help her regulate her emotions in that moment.
Earlier in the season, Eva disclosed her disability to Joe who was a previous teammate. As a father, Joe had empathy and great admiration for Eva. He held a very special place in his heart for her. When the other two tribes could see Eva struggling, and they knew Eva and Joe had a connection, they agreed to let Joe comfort Eva in her distress with a long hug and breathing techniques. Afterwards, Eva shared her disability with the other tribes, who also responded with empathy and support. She was then able to continue playing the game, free to be herself, fully seen and respected by the other Survivors.
Eva is surviving autism daily. Autism is no game to her: it’s life. She could’ve chosen not to try out for the show, or to decline an invitation to play because of her disability. But she didn’t – because she’s a survivor.
I bring you this post to let you know everyone is a survivor of something. If you wake up daily, you’re a survivor. So, keep on surviving my beautiful people, keep on surviving.
Enjoy this song that always gives me a push when needed.
Shari,
I have watched every episode of every season of Survivor. It is one of my most favorite shows to watch. I have to say I have been very impressed with Eva and her willingness to go on a reality show, one with competitions, to show others that autism is something she lives with every day but that it doesn’t control her life. She is an inspiration to so many and I’m glad that Survivor said yes to her audition tape and asked her to join in on the fun. Her parents and everyone that knows her have to be so proud of her. And Joe, kudos to him for stepping outside of the game to give her the support she needed and for Jeff to realize what was happening. It was such a learning event for all.
Carol,
I totally agree with you. Thank you for your comment.
Great story. I actually saw a video of Eva doing this challenge not knowing she has autism. I did find myself cheering her on while watching and celebrating with her when she finished. Great blog.
Dawn,
Thank you for reading and commenting.