Books, Writing & Ideas

I write to help people understand themselves—and each other—a little better.

Whether I’m talking about neurodiversity, mental health, relationships, or personal growth, my goal is always the same:

Share ideas that are practical, human, and actually useful in real life.

Below you’ll find my books, along with my latest writing and videos.

Substack

Most of my current writing lives on Substack.

It’s where I share ideas, reflections, and practical insights on:

  • Mental health

  • Neurodiversity

  • Relationships and social connection

  • Personal growth

A few places to start:

  • How to love a tree (and each other)

  • The two forms of self-care (and why you need both)

  • 5 ways to make more friends (start today)

Explore my writing or subscribe for new posts

A man with glasses, dark hair, and a beard sitting on a beige chair with a thoughtful expression, wearing a maroon shirt and a wristwatch, in a room with dark blue walls and bookshelves.

Follow Along ON TIKTOK & INSTAGRAM

If you prefer quick, practical insights you can apply right away, I share bite-sized ideas on social media.

This is where I post:

  • Short mental health insights

  • Social skills tips

  • Everyday strategies for navigating life and relationships

  • Quick takes on neurodiversity and personal growth

YouTube

On my YouTube channel, I break down social skills, mental health, and neurodivergent experiences in a way that’s clear, practical, and easy to apply.

You’ll find:

  • Short, actionable tips

  • Deeper dives into psychology and self-development

  • Real-life strategies you can actually use

Watch videos and subscribe

Books

Neurodiversity and the Myth of Normal

(with Dr. Kyler Shumway)

What does it really mean to be “normal”?

In this series, we explore the science and philosophy of neurodiversity—challenging the idea that there’s one “right” way for a brain to work.

You’ll learn:

  • Why neurodiversity is a natural part of human variation

  • How environment shapes ability and disability

  • How we can build systems where more people can thrive

Cover image of an audiobook titled "Neurodiversity and the Myth of Normal" with a blue background, a brain illustration, and yellow banner stating "Only from audible".

Improve Your Social Skills

This is my most well-known book—and the one that started it all.

I wrote it after spending years teaching myself social skills from the ground up.

As someone who grew up struggling socially, I approached it like a system:
studying patterns, testing ideas, and figuring out what actually works.

This book breaks it all down into practical, easy-to-use strategies for:

  • Conversations

  • Body language

  • Building friendships

  • Navigating awkward moments

Book cover titled "Improve Your Social Skills" by Daniel Wendler, featuring illustrations of a woman and man with speech bubbles above them.

Level Up Your Social Life

If you’ve ever played video games, this book will feel familiar.

I use game mechanics—like leveling up, skill-building, and strategy—to teach social success in a way that’s intuitive and fun.

It’s designed to help you:

  • Build confidence

  • Make new friends

  • Approach social growth in a structured, rewarding way

Book cover titled "Level Up Your Social Life: The Gamer's Guide to Social Success" by Daniel Wendler, featuring two speech bubbles with gaming controllers connecting to heads, against a green circular background
People attending a conference registration or book signing event at a convention hall. A woman is at the table signing a book for a man, while others wait in line.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re interested in bringing these ideas to your organization through a keynote or training, let’s talk.