Eva Erickson is making history as the first openly autistic contestant on Survivor Season 48.

At 24 years old, Eva is a Ph.D. student at Brown University and the first woman to ever play on Georgia Tech’s men’s hockey team.

Eva says her autism can make it difficult to read social cues, which is a vital skill for Survivor. However, Eva refuses to let this define her gameplay.

As she explains, “You have to be smart, strategic and strong. It’s not just about physical strength anymore.”

Eva’s approach to the game also includes being open with her teammates. She confided in her ally Joe Hunter, telling him, “I get overstimulated sometimes, and it causes me to shut down. If that happens, I need your help.”

As she continues to break down barriers, Eva is showing the world that anyone can thrive in challenging environments.

In the future, Eva plans to continue her groundbreaking work in engineering, furthering her Ph.D. research and pursuing a future where she can blend her passions for science and sports.

This article uses information from Parade and Disability Scoop.