Eva Erickson, a contestant on the popular TV show “Survivor,” has spoken out against recent comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the autistic community.
Kennedy, who serves as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, suggested that people with autism cannot perform basic activities like holding a job, dating, or playing sports. Erickson, who is the first openly autistic contestant on “Survivor,” expressed her disapproval of Kennedy’s remarks on Instagram. She posted photos of herself spending time with her boyfriend and engaging in sports, stating, “RFK Jr.
Erickson defends autistic capabilities
can kick rocks. I know what I’m capable of.
People with autism are stronger than he believes, and I’m proud to represent this community.”
The 23-year-old Minnesota native has demonstrated resilience and leadership long before joining “Survivor.” She was the first woman to play on the men’s ice hockey club at Georgia Tech and currently serves as the captain of the men’s hockey club at Brown University, where she is also a doctoral candidate in the School of Engineering. In another Instagram post, Erickson revealed that she is selling Fiji Hockey Club T-shirts, with a portion of the proceeds going to Minnesota Special Hockey, an organization that provides opportunities for children with autism and other special needs to play hockey in a supportive environment. “I hope I can inspire others to embrace their autism diagnosis and know there is nothing wrong with autism,” Erickson said while wearing a hockey jersey.
“It is something amazing and should be celebrated.”
Erickson is still in the running on “Survivor,” one of nine remaining contestants from the original 18. To see if she continues to advance, viewers can tune in to the new episode at 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
