Eva Erickson, a groundbreaking contestant on Survivor Season 48, made history as the show’s first openly autistic player. Overcoming challenges with the support of her parents, she embraced her neurodiversity as a strength in the game.
At just 24 years old, Eva was already a Ph.D. candidate in engineering at Brown University, specializing in fluid and thermal science, proving her sharp intellect and determination. But her talents didn’t stop there.
She is a fierce competitor who broke barriers as the captain of Brown University’s men’s club hockey team, showcasing her leadership and passion for the sport.
On Survivor, Eva’s strategic mind and resilience quickly made her a standout player. She formed a powerful alliance with fellow contestant Joe Hunter, and their dynamic partnership, dubbed “Joeva,” became a fan favorite.
Together, they dominated the game, with Eva outmaneuvering rivals and surviving brutal challenges to reach the final three alongside Joe and Kyle Fraser.
Though she fought hard, Kyle ultimately won the title of Sole Survivor, leaving Eva as one of the season’s most memorable and inspiring players.
Eva Erickson’s Parents Helped Her Defy the Odds
Eva Erickson, born on August 28, 2000, in Eagan, Minnesota, is a 24-year-old hockey player and reality TV contestant who has captured hearts with her resilience.
Raised in a close-knit family of White American ethnicity, her parents have intentionally stayed out of the public eye but have been unwavering in their support of her dreams.
Eva has credited her family as her greatest inspiration. Her father’s strong work ethic, her mother’s kindness, and her sister’s perseverance have all shaped her into the determined woman she is today.
Eva faced challenges due to her autism diagnosis from a young age. Her parents sought various therapies, including brushing, spinning, and compression techniques, to help her develop her strengths and prepare for school.
Thanks to their dedication, she never saw her autism as a limitation but as part of her unique journey.
During the March 26, 2025, episode of Survivor, Eva bravely shared her autism diagnosis with the world after struggling with an Immunity Challenge.
Overwhelmed with sensory overstimulation, she pushed through and secured the win for her tribe, proving once again that she could defy expectations.
I’m ready to tell my story to everybody. I have autism. I was diagnosed when I was very, very young. Doctors told my parents I would never live independently, that I would never hold a job, that at most I could marry someone else with autism.
Her vulnerability moved host Jeff Probst to tears, who praised her courage.
Likewise, Eva also expressed gratitude for fellow contestant Joe Hunter, who crossed tribal lines to comfort her.
Please, let’s take a step and understand that this is something I deal with, and everyone who has autism should not be ashamed to ask for help and ashamed to receive it.
