Last night’s episode of Survivor was amazing. Yes, there was the usual backstabbing and blindsiding, but that wasn’t it. The amazing thing about it actually had to do with autism on Survivor. A woman with autism spectrum (she just refers to it as autism), Eva Erickson, had a huge autistic meltdown in front of everyone while trying to complete a puzzle. She repeatedly failed, and she got more and more upset until she melted down completely. To be honest, I’ve never seen an autistic episode like that. But the amazing continues.

Eva Erickson’s Autism Meltdown on ‘Survivor’

She completed the puzzle in spite of the storm in her brain, and her tribe hugged her and cheered. This overstimulated her to the point where she started screaming over and over. She appeared to be completely out of control. She had trusted only one person, Joe Hunter, with the fact that she had autism, and he was in another tribe at the time. The host, Jeff Probst, decided to allow Hunter to hug Erickson, and he was able to calm her autism episode using techniques she had previously discussed with him. It was like magic. Her meltdown was quelled by a Survivor competitor she trusted.

How Her Tribe and Jeff Probst Responded

She then took the opportunity to tell everyone that she has autism. She wanted everyone to know that she wasn’t ashamed of her autism. She talked about how it was just part of her and not something wrong with her. Her parents had been told that she would never work or live independently, but they got her all the help she needed to fight back. And now she’s a complete success who can stand in front of people, proud of who she is. Her tribe embraced her and her differences. Additionally, Probst was extremely touched, and for the first time in 48 seasons, he cried.

Why This Moment Matters for Autism Representation

Now, autism is typically considered a developmental disorder, not a mental illness. Regardless, Erickson stood up and said that her brain differences didn’t make her broken. This is a powerful message we all need to hear. I cheer on Erickson in her journey.

People with Autism Are Not Broken — They Are Different

People with autism spectrum (and mental illness) will have many different experiences and live with various levels of functioning. Not everyone will be able to have a meltdown on TV that is handled easily by another person. Nonetheless, no matter what their challenges, seeing a woman with autism stand up, proud, had to feel good. It felt good for me. Her biggest nightmare happened, and she kept going — all on international TV.

A Message of Hope for Neurodivergent Viewers

So, here’s to people with neurodivergent brains who stand up and scream that they are different people, but not deficient people. They are the sparkly, bright lights we need.

Did you see Eva Erickson on Survivor? What did you think of her moment? Share your thoughts on neurodivergent representation below.