"I was stimming, I was scratching myself, I was on the ground rocking in a ball, and I was almost disappointed this wasn't shown because I know it's important for people with autism to see me in that state.

The first openly autistic player to appear on “Survivor,” Erickson immediately confided in fire captain Joe Hunter, knowing she’d have an ally who could help her in case she got overstimulated and fell into what she called an “episode,” losing control and sobbing uncontrollably.

Eva Erickson, who was born in St. Paul and grew up in Eagan, placed second in the 48th season of “Survivor,” the highest finish for a Minnesotan in the show’s long history. Minneapolis’ Laurel Johnson from season 36 and St.