“Awareness is empowering.” - Rita Wilson. Daniel’s award-winning YouTube channel “The Aspie World” is dedicated to bringing awareness and educating people about Autism. He is using his own experience with Autism, his viewpoints and his remarkable skills as a video influencer to make this channel beneficial for every viewer. Besides being a YouTuber, Daniel is also a scientist, philosopher, musician and a bestselling author. At the age of twenty he founded the Church of Jediism and has been interviewed by BBC, Good Morning America, and numerous other TV and radio stations.

How and when did you start your YouTube channel “The Aspie World”?D: I started my channel in June of 2013 because I had not seen any information in an upbeat happy entertaining way about Autism and Aspergers on YouTube.

What preparation goes behind the scenes in the production of a YouTube video? What kind of feedback/response have you been getting?D: So much prep-work goes into make a video: the script, the title, the tags, the description, the promotion outlets etc there is a lot of work that goes into it. I have been overwhelmed with such positivity awesome stories and responses from my followers and what I call The Aspie World Fam (the most accepting family on YouTube). Lots of people saying how much my channel has helped them in their day to day life or family life or professional life.

Can you tell us about the creation of the Church of Jediism?D: The Idea and creation of the TCOJ was the idea of putting mindfulness, meditation, yoga and general wellbeing mixing it with Star Wars to help people use the tools of those practices in modern life.

What is the idea behind your book “Become the Force” and who can benefit from reading it?D: The idea of my book is to show how I used the ideas of the Jedi in Star Wars to help my overcome some issues that my Autism caused during growing up. The book is written in a way where anyone can pick it up and read it, you don't have to be a Star Wars fan or anything. But it is especially interesting for anyone researching Autism due to the autobiography part from my life growing up.

Who is your inspiration?D: My inspiration is: Nikola Tesla, Peter McKinnon to name a few

What are you other hobbies?D: I love skateboarding, I actual have a Boosted Board which is an electric longboard and It's amazing I love it! I also play music in some bands my main band is Straight Jacket Legends.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?D: I like to eat awesome food! And learn new things, like playing music and creating content.

What is your favorite place that you would like to visit and why?D: My favourite place in the world is San Fransisco I have been there once! It is amazing it's such a big city / small city so it helps with my anxiety. It's full of innovators and tech companies which is just amazingly raw awesome creators. It has a beach, but an awesome urban city. It has good food, cleaner air and more natural local foods.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to start their own YouTube channel?D: I would say go out there start a channel and really focus your energy on the message you want to put out!

Any special message for our community?D: I would say, never give up on anything, it's never too late and you have all the time, skills and brains you need to achieve ANYTHING.