The Other Side of the Desk

Michael Mantecon
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education

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 IEPs, accommodations, burnout, and belonging, each episode bridges the gap between policy and humanity. Whether you’re an educator, parent, aide, student, or someone navigating disability yourself, this podcast offers insight, empathy, and perspective from both sides of the desk. 🎧 Honest conversations. 📚 Education with lived experience. 🧠 Disability without the stereotypes. Because real inclusion starts when we listen.

Episodes

  1. Apr 23

    You’ve Been Thinking About Autism WRONG (Spectrum Explained)

    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 idea 🙌 We cover: Why autism is NOT a linear spectrumThe “mixing board” way to understand autistic traitsWhy “high functioning” vs “low functioning” is misleadingWhat masking really is (and why it’s exhausting)Common misconceptions people still believeWhether you’re autistic, know someone who is, or just want to understand better—this video is for you. If this helped, like the video so more people can see it 👍 And drop your questions in the comments—I might turn yours into the next video. #autism #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity #autismspectrum #mentalhealth #autismacceptance #neurodivergent #education #autism101

  2. Apr 18

    The Real Reason Socializing Is Exhausting (Autism & Masking)

    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 an extrovert. I enjoy conversations and being around people. But for years, I couldn’t understand why I would feel completely drained afterward. It turns out, it wasn’t socializing itself—it was the constant mental effort of performative socializing. We’ll cover: What masking is and why it happensWhy social interaction can feel like a performanceThe difference between introversion and social exhaustionWhy even “good” social experiences can leave you drainedIf you’ve ever felt exhausted after talking to people, this might explain why.

  3. Apr 9

    The ONE Word That Explains Autism (No One Told You This)

    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 syncThe difference between under-sensitive and over-sensitive proprioceptionWhy stimming and movement actually make sensePractical ways to support sensory needs For years, I thought I was just awkward or uncoordinated. Learning about proprioception completely changed how I understood myself. If you’ve ever: bumped into thingsfelt off in crowded spacesneeded to move or stim to feel “normal” …this video might explain why. 👍 Subscribe for more videos on autism, sensory processing, and real-life experiences. #autism #proprioception #sensoryprocessing #autismawareness #stimming #neurodivergent

  4. Jan 31

    Autistic Burnout: When Coping Costs Too Much

    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 settings. Takeaways Autistic burnout is a state of chronic physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.Masking, the act of hiding autistic traits to fit in, is a significant contributor to burnout.

  5. Jan 2

    Autism in Schools

    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 issueUnderstanding autism better reduces the struggle for students

  6. 12/27/2025

    What is Autism?

    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 neurodevelopmental differenceAutism is not a tragedy, but a misunderstanding Chapters 00:00 Understanding Autism Stereotypes05:40 The Autism Spectrum and Common Myths12:06 Lived Experience with Autism18:02 Language and Identity in Autism

  • 6 Episodes

About

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 IEPs, accommodations, burnout, and belonging, each episode bridges the gap between policy and humanity. Whether you’re an educator, parent, aide, student, or someone navigating disability yourself, this podcast offers insight, empathy, and perspective from both sides of the desk. 🎧 Honest conversations. 📚 Education with lived experience. 🧠 Disability without the stereotypes. Because real inclusion starts when we listen.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Mantecon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Michael Mantecon
  • Show Website
    The Other Side of the Desk