LifeWorks for Autism stresses importance of sharing autism stories in media after “Survivor” contestant shares story

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – For those of you who watch Survivor on CBS 40, you may remember a moment that stuck out to fans around the world a couple weeks ago, where a contestant shared an amazing story.

Eva Erickson was in the middle of a competition and started to get a bit overstimulated. Her former teammate, Joe Hunter, was there to guide her through the tough times and the challenges she was facing.

However, she was able to finish the event and help her tribe earn safety for the week.

At the conclusion of the event, Eva revealed something that tugged at the heartstrings of America: she has autism.

“Please, let’s take a step away from the game and understand that this is something that I deal with with my autism, and everyone who has autism should not be ashamed to ask for help and ashamed to receive it,” she asked of her fellow contestants.

Here locally, WKU’s LifeWorks for Autism is a program that people like Eva can use to help them through tough times they may be facing. Director Hendrix Brakefield says stories like hers are so important to share to help normalize that population.

“The autistic population that we serve, these individuals are so capable and have so much more in common with me and with you and with any of us than there would ever be differences… and I think for representation, it’s a crucial piece to not just have people talk about it, but pictures, videos speak a thousand words, so the more you can see it visually… I think it’s just that stronger message,” he says.

You can catch Eva’s journey throughout the rest of the season on Survivor, Wednesday nights on CBS 40.