I'm Dr. Daniel Wendler, an autistic clinical psychologist. I'm here to help you live better, connect with others on a deeper level, and flourish with neurodivergence. I offer practical insights that you can apply to your life right away (whether you're neurodivergent or not!)
After being diagnosed with autism as a teenager, I dedicated my life to building a world where everyone can belong. That led me to become a clinical psychologist, deliver two TEDx talks about my life with autism, and write several books (including my latest, "Neurodiversity and the Myth of Normal.") Today, I give trainings and keynotes on neurodiversity, mental health, and self-improvement to audiences across the country.
On this channel, I share my favorite tips for thriving with autism and ADHD, building a fulfilling social life, and living the life you've always wanted. I'd love it if you followed along to support me!
Want free in-depth resources? Grab them at HeyDrDan.com
- Dan
Dr. Dan | Autistic Psychologist
If you never feel like you did good enough, I hope this finds you.
It's an excerpt from an essay I wrote about not feeling good enough, even though I had just gotten a standing ovation. Shame and anxiety have a bad habit of showing up uninvited. Self critical thoughts often come when it would be better to be proud of yourself. That's why it's important to remind yourself of the truth.
I wrote this to remind myself. I hope it helps you, too.
(Want more writing like this? Subscribe to my newsletter at HeyDrDan.com/newsletter)
#autistic #neurodivergent #selfcriticism #perfectionism #notgoodenough
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 780
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Dr. Dan | Autistic Psychologist
If you genuinely don’t want to meet new people, that’s perfectly fine!
But even if you’re introverted, shy, or anxious, part of you might still feel lonely and want more friends.
So my guess is that “I don’t want to meet new people” might not be the full story.
Instead, there’s a second part to that sentence.
“I don’t want to meet new people…because they’ll just reject me.”
“I don’t want to meet new people… because they’ll be shallow and I won’t like them”
“I don’t want to meet new people… (fill in the blank for yourself.)”
Give yourself the chance to name the actual fear – whatever it is for you.
Then, separate the fear from the desire.
Ask yourself, “If I knew with absolute certainty that my fear wouldn’t come true, then would I want to meet new people?”
Then ask yourself why you want to meet new people. Get in touch with your loneliness, your desire for connection, the great memories you want to make with new friends.
That will be the fuel you need to fight the fear.
If this helped you, grab the full guide to get more practical advice. How To Meet New People: Dr. Dan’s Guide to Kickstarting Your Social Life. Available 100% free at HeyDrDan.com/meetpeople
#loneliness #makingfriends #socialanxiety #actuallyautistic #friendship
1 month ago | [YT] | 599
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Dr. Dan | Autistic Psychologist
Do you take the whole weekend to rest, but you still feel just as burned out when Monday rolls around?
Try this to see if it helps you feel even a tiny amount better. If so, grab the full free guide to get more practical advice. www.heydrdan.com/burnout
#autisticburnout #burnoutrecovery #actuallyautistic #neurodivergent #burnout
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 736
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Dr. Dan | Autistic Psychologist
Five truths about finding your soulmate
I struggled with singleness for a long time. As someone with autism, dating was always bewildering for me. Sometimes I wondered if I was just too different for someone to want to spend their whole life with me.
I got married last year to an incredible woman. But I remember how lonely and hard it was to go through long stretches of being single. I thought about some advice that I wished I could give to my younger self who was going through those hard times. And then I wrote it up so I could give that advice to you instead
if you're feeling lonely, if you're wondering if your person is out there... I hope these words give you some encouragement, and help you find your partner.
#single #singlelife #dating #lonely #datingadvice
1 year ago | [YT] | 63
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Dr. Dan | Autistic Psychologist
It's easy to get discouraged. Our minds gravitate towards the mistakes we made, the goals we haven't accomplished yet.
But our harshest critic is always internal, and that inner critic is always a liar.
If it's hard to see the night sky, you might just need to let your eyes adjust.
If it's hard to see your value, you might just need to practice being a little kinder to yourself.
So... This is your sign to be on the lookout for your light. Let this encourage you to pause and take stock of everything you're doing right.
Every moment you're choosing bravery or kindness.
Every time you step you take towards growth or healing.
Notice them. Give yourself credit.
And keep going.
#encouragement #affirmations #selflove #innercritic #youareenough
1 year ago | [YT] | 68
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