In this crucial episode, host Dr. Wexler sits down with Sam Wakach, LCSW a private practitioner and consultant specializing in complex mental health care to address a subject every family navigating serious mental illness needs to understand: the intersection of psychosis and suicide risk.

When a loved one experiences psychosis, fear and confusion often leave families feeling powerless. Sam breaks down actionable, compassionate steps families can take to recognize subtle warning signs, de-escalate crisis situations, and actively build a durable safety net at home.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Understanding the Connection: How psychotic symptoms increase vulnerability and risk.

• Early Warning Signs: What to look for before a crisis escalates.

• Building the Safety Net: Practical tools for families to partner effectively with clinical care teams.

• Compassionate Communication: How to talk to a loved one experiencing altered realities without escalating distress.

In this episode of The Mind Exposed, Rachael Wexler sits down with Jennifer Gladden “J.D.,” Head of School at Fusion Academy Los Angeles, to talk about a different way of approaching education.

Not every student learns the same way, and not every student thrives in a traditional classroom. Jennifer shares how Fusion Academy works to meet students where they are by getting to know how they learn, what they need, where they may be struggling, and what helps them feel confident and engaged again.

Rachael and Jennifer talk about the importance of seeing the whole student—not just their grades or academic performance—and how the right environment and relationships can make a meaningful difference.

At the heart of the conversation is a simple idea: students shouldn’t have to fit into one definition of what learning is supposed to look like. Sometimes, they just need a school willing to meet them where they are.

Summary For many people on the autism spectrum, learning the “rules” of conversation is only one piece of the puzzle. Someone may know what to say, but still struggle to read facial expressions, understand emotions, recognize someone’s intentions, or pick up on the subtle social cues that make connection feel natural.

In this episode of The Mind Exposed, Kyle Menchel, LCSW, sits down with Dr. Eric Wexler to explore Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) and why there is an important difference between teaching social skills and building a deeper understanding of the social world.

They discuss why treatment can’t stop at memorizing scripts or practicing conversational skills. Real progress happens when people are able to understand and apply what they’ve learned in everyday life—from friendships and relationships to school, work, and the moments of connection that happen in between.

The conversation also explores social cognition in individuals experiencing schizophrenia-spectrum and psychosis symptoms, including challenges with reading emotions, interpreting intentions, and understanding social situations. Rather than seeing these difficulties simply as a lack of social skills, Kyle and Dr. Wexler look at what may be happening underneath and how targeted treatment can help.

Finally, they discuss positive affect—the ability to experience motivation, pleasure, reward, and engagement—and why helping someone reconnect with the things that feel meaningful can be an important part of recovery.

It’s a conversation about moving beyond simply teaching people what to do socially and toward helping them better understand, connect with, and participate in the world around them.

In this episode, Kyle and Dr. Owens explore the complex relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder, scrupulosity, and psychosis. They discuss how psychotic symptoms and severe moral obsessions can present in individuals with OCD, key differences from primary psychotic disorders, common diagnostic challenges, and evidence-based approaches to assessment and treatment. The conversation provides practical insights to help clinicians better recognize and navigate these often-overlapping clinical presentations.

In this episode, Adrian and Lila explore the complex relationship between borderline personality disorder and psychosis. They discuss how psychotic symptoms can present in individuals with borderline personality disorder, key differences from primary psychotic disorders, common diagnostic challenges, and evidence-based approaches to assessment and treatment. The conversation provides practical insights to help clinicians better recognize and navigate these often-overlapping clinical presentations.

In this episode, we explore the unique clinical considerations surrounding psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum disorders in young men. From early warning signs and behavioral changes to the social and emotional pressures that can affect diagnosis and treatment, we examine why early intervention and individualized care are so important during adolescence and young adulthood.We discuss how symptoms may present differently in young men, including changes in motivation, mood, perception, thinking patterns, and social functioning. The conversation also looks at stigma, barriers to seeking help, family dynamics, substance use, and the challenges of navigating mental health systems during critical developmental years.Topics include:• Early psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum disorders• Mental health in adolescent and young adult men• Clinical assessment and diagnostic challenges• Social withdrawal, cognition, and behavioral changes• Substance use and co-occurring conditions• Stigma and barriers to treatment• Early intervention, recovery, and support systemsThis episode offers insight into the complexities of serious mental health conditions in young men and highlights the importance of awareness, compassion, and timely support.

What happens when autism and schizophrenia share overlapping traits? In this episode, we dive into the complicated intersection of autism spectrum disorder, early psychosis, and schizophrenia, exploring how certain symptoms can blur diagnostic lines and impact people’s lives in very different ways.

We discuss the early signs of psychosis, social and cognitive differences associated with autism, and how clinicians work to distinguish between neurodevelopmental conditions and emerging psychotic disorders. The conversation also highlights the importance of early detection, mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and creating better support systems for individuals and families navigating these challenges.

This episode examines:
• Autism spectrum disorder and social communication differences
• Early psychosis and warning signs
• Schizophrenia and schizophrenia-spectrum conditions
• Diagnostic overlap and clinical challenges
• Sensory experiences, cognition, and behavior
• Misdiagnosis, stigma, and mental health advocacy
• The path toward understanding, intervention, and support

Whether you’re interested in psychology, neuroscience, mental health, or personal stories behind these diagnoses, this episode offers an insightful look into one of the most misunderstood areas of mental health.

In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between autism, early psychosis, and schizophrenia and why these conditions are sometimes misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlapping in important ways. We break down the similarities and differences in symptoms, discuss how early warning signs can appear, and examine the challenges clinicians face when diagnosing neurodevelopmental and psychotic disorders.

We also talk about sensory experiences, social communication differences, masking, paranoia, cognitive changes, and the importance of early intervention and accurate support. Whether you’re personally affected, supporting someone you care about, or simply interested in mental health and neuroscience, this conversation offers insight into a topic that deserves more understanding and less stigma.

Topics include:
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Early psychosis and prodromal symptoms
• Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
• Diagnostic overlap and misdiagnosis
• Mental health stigma
• Neurodiversity and clinical perspectives
• Early intervention and treatment approaches

Listener discretion advised: This episode discusses serious mental health conditions and psychological symptoms.