Michael Mantecon

The Other Side of the Desk

Education EN ↓ 6 episodes

What happens when the student becomes the teacher—and the system looks very different from both sides? The Other Side of the Desk is a podcast about disability, education, and identity—told from the perspective of an autistic aspiring special education teacher who has lived inside the very systems he’s preparing to work in. This show explores autism, neurodiversity, special education, and mental health through real conversations, lived experience, and an educator’s lens. It’s not about fixing people—it’s about understanding them. From navigating school as a neurodivergent student, to unpacking...

Author

Michael Mantecon

Episodes

You’ve Been Thinking About Autism WRONG (Spectrum Explained) 23.04.2026 5:06

Most people think autism is a straight line—from “low functioning” to “high functioning.” But that’s not how it works. In this video, I break down what the autism spectrum ACTUALLY looks like in a way that’s simple, clear, and easy to explain to others. If you’ve ever struggled to explain autism—or felt like people misunderstand it—this will help. Huge shoutout to @devilspotato33 for the video ide...

The Real Reason Socializing Is Exhausting (Autism & Masking) 18.04.2026 4:16

Why does socializing feel so exhausting… even when you enjoy it? A common misconception about autism is that autistic people just don’t like being around others. But that’s not always true. In this video, I break down the real reason socializing can be so draining—especially for autistic people—and why it has less to do with introversion, and more to do with something called masking . I’m actually...

The ONE Word That Explains Autism (No One Told You This) 09.04.2026 4:27

What if there was ONE word that could explain so many struggles with autism? That word is proprioception — your body’s ability to know where it is in space. In this video, I break down: What proprioception is (simple explanation) Why autistic people may feel “clumsy” or out of sync The difference between under-sensitive and over-sensitive proprioception Why stimming and movement actually make sens...

Autistic Burnout: When Coping Costs Too Much 31.01.2026 11:00

The conversation delves into the topic of autistic burnout, exploring its causes, symptoms, and impact on individuals. It also discusses the challenges of recognizing and addressing burnout, differentiating it from depression, and strategies for dealing with burnout. Additionally, it highlights the issue of overlooking burnout in students and the importance of awareness and support in educational...

Autism in Schools 02.01.2026 16:40

The podcast episode delves into the impact of autism in school environments, highlighting the challenges faced by autistic students and the interventions and support provided by schools. It emphasizes the importance of understanding autism better to reduce the struggle for students and uphold their individuality and humanity. Takeaways Autism in schools is a human issue Understanding autism better...

What is Autism? 27.12.2025 17:09

The podcast episode delves into the topic of autism, addressing stereotypes, the neurodevelopmental nature of autism, common myths, lived experiences, the role of teachers in special education, and language and identity in autism. It emphasizes the need for understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism, highlighting the importance of empathy and support. Takeaways Autism is a neurodevelo...