EMU Today

YPSILANTI – November’s episode of “Enlighten U,” Eastern Michigan University’s mental health podcast for students, explores practical strategies, inspiring stories, and expert advice for college students living with developmental and learning disabilities. EMU senior journalism major and public relations minor Hugh Thorp joins the show to discuss his diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, and how it affects his collegiate life.

A developmental disability, ASD is often diagnosed in childhood, though many struggle to get a diagnosis until later in life. According to the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, the latest data shows that approximately 1 in every 36 children is diagnosed with ASD. 

Statistics vary, but according to a survey of more than 70,000 college students conducted by the National College Health Assessment in the spring of 2024, approximately 4.7% of students have ASD. The same survey also found that approximately 5.5% of students have a learning disability of some kind.

This month’s episode explains the differences between learning and developmental disabilities, what ASD might look like, and coping strategies for those in need.

Resident mental health expert and assistant professor in EMU’s Department of Leadership and Counseling Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., discusses the statistics, available resources, and advice for both students and professors in coping with ASD and other developmental disabilities.

“I feel like accommodations make everyone’s lives easier,” Mustafa said. “It’s okay to help people succeed.”

Throughout the show, Thorp candidly shares his successes and challenges, hoping that his story can inspire others. He thrives in the classroom, works as a student intern in EMU’s Athletics Department Office, and is an avid marathon runner. He also shares the strategies and resources that help him when he’s struggling. His best piece of advice: reach out and ask for help when it’s needed.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out,” Thorp said. “You may feel embarrassed, but it’s not embarrassing.”

Thorp said he believes perseverance is the key to success.

“When you make that decision to go forward, good things will happen to you,” Thorp said.

Future episodes of “Enlighten U” will address adjustment to campus life, navigating the transition from high school to college, loneliness, grief, and more.

For more information, please contact Lolita Cummings at lcummin2@emich.edu or Melissa Thrasher at mthrashe@emich.edu. To submit a topic idea or to be a guest, please contact the show directly at Enlighten_U@emich.edu. 

About “Enlighten U”
“Enlighten U” is an Eastern Michigan University-produced, award-winning podcast for college students as they experience unique stressors, including academic pressures, personal growth, social challenges, and more. EMU executive director of media relations and social media Melissa Thrasher and EMU public relations professor Lolita Cummings serve as co-hosts. Each episode is released each month and welcomes a student or alum and a subject-matter professional. Episodes of “Enlighten U” address mental health topics like imposter syndrome, financial strain, grading anxiety, adjustment to campus life, social media harms, social justice, and more.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.