Final night time’s episode of Survivor was wonderful. Sure, there was the standard backstabbing and blindsiding, however that wasn’t it. The wonderful factor about it truly needed to do with autism on Survivor. A girl with autism spectrum (she simply refers to it as autism), Eva Erickson, had an enormous autistic meltdown in entrance of everybody whereas making an attempt to finish a puzzle. She repeatedly failed, and he or she received increasingly more upset till she melted down utterly. To be sincere, I’ve by no means seen an autistic episode like that. However the wonderful continues.
Eva Erickson’s Autism Meltdown on ‘Survivor’
She accomplished the puzzle despite the storm in her mind, and her tribe hugged her and cheered. This overstimulated her to the purpose the place she began screaming time and again. She gave the impression to be utterly uncontrolled. She had trusted just one particular person, Joe Hunter, with the truth that she had autism, and he was in one other tribe on the time. The host, Jeff Probst, determined to permit Hunter to hug Erickson, and he was in a position to calm her autism episode utilizing methods she had beforehand mentioned 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 chance to inform everybody that she has autism. She needed everybody to know that she wasn’t ashamed of her autism. She talked about the way it was simply a part of her and never one thing flawed together with her. Her dad and mom had been instructed that she would by no means work or reside independently, however they received her all the assistance she wanted to struggle again. And now she’s a whole success who can stand in entrance of individuals, happy with who she is. Her tribe embraced her and her variations. Moreover, Probst was extraordinarily touched, and for the primary time in 48 seasons, he cried.
Why This Second Issues for Autism Illustration
Now, autism is often thought of a developmental dysfunction, not a psychological sickness. Regardless, Erickson stood up and stated that her mind variations didn’t make her damaged. It is a highly effective message all of us want to listen to. I cheer on Erickson in her journey.
Folks with Autism Are Not Damaged — They Are Totally different
Folks with autism spectrum (and psychological sickness) could have many alternative experiences and reside with numerous ranges of functioning. Not everybody will be capable of have a meltdown on TV that’s dealt with simply by one other particular person. Nonetheless, it doesn’t matter what their challenges, seeing a girl with autism arise, proud, needed to really feel good. It felt good for me. Her greatest nightmare occurred, and he or she saved going — all on worldwide TV.
A Message of Hope for Neurodivergent Viewers
So, right here’s to folks with neurodivergent brains who arise and scream that they’re completely different folks, however not poor folks. They’re the sparkly, vibrant lights we’d like.
Did you see Eva Erickson on Survivor? What did you consider her second? Share your ideas on neurodivergent illustration under.
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