# 364 - A struggle with loneliness - Daniel Wendler

Loneliness can be so damaging at any age but especially when growing up. Few people have more experience of being friendless and lonely than Daniel Wendler. In todays episode I speak with Daniel who is now a clinical psychologist and author, and who as a teenager was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome which contributed hugely to his lack of social skills. In this episode Daniel discusses what Asperger's Syndrome is and how it affected his ability to interact socially and make friends growing up. We learn how Daniel's journey and struggle with social interaction now informs his career as a clinical psychologist. We hear about how he manages with imposter syndrome and how he copes with disappointments in life. Expect to learn about the concept of learned helplessness in the context of developing social skills. We ask if there is a link between poor social skills and gaming. We discover how social skills are like any other skill and can be improved. https://www.danielwendler.com/ Daniel's Ted Talk : https://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_wendler_what_being_autistic_taught_me_about_being_human?language=en