Unspoken Words: A Selective Mutism Podcast by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum

Episode 74 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum, exploring one of the most frequently asked — and misunderstood — questions in the selective mutism community: Is it SM, autism, or both? In the episode, Dr. E and Dr. Jenna break down the core features of each condition and explain why they so often look alike on the surface — while stemming from very different underlying causes. They discuss why the home environment is one of the most important diagnostic clues, how a child's motivation for peer connection can reveal whether anxiety or the social puzzle is driving their shutdown, and why the reason behind the silence matters just as much as the silence itself. They also cover the critical distinction between comfort and skills — why children with SM have innate social know-how that anxiety blocks, while children on the autism spectrum often need those social skills explicitly taught. Additionally, they address masking, restricted interests, echolalia, and the initiation-versus-response dynamic that can look surprisingly different in the autism population. The episode closes with an overview of the SMart Center's evaluation process, including how the SME, ADOS, and ADIR tools work together to bring clarity to complex, overlapping presentations. -- (03:04) Is It SM, Autism, or Both? Introducing the Overlap and Core Features of Each Condition (09:38) The Social Puzzle: How Motivation and Peer Interest Reveal What's Really Driving the Shutdown (19:25) The Passenger in the Car: Why Social Communication Skills Must Be Taught, Not Just Unlocked (28:42) Same Behaviors, Different Reasons: How to Distinguish SM From Autism Across Settings (39:49) Masking, Misdiagnosis, and the Evaluation Process: What a Thorough Assessment Actually Looks Like -- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: https://selectivemutismcenter.org/resources/ Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference on April, 10th, 2026, with your child or teen’s school staff. 6.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and published by New Edition Productions (neweditionconsulting.com)

Episode 73 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum, exploring the PVC model — a practical, anxiety-lowering framework built around three core principles: Preparing, Visuals, and Choice questions. In the episode, Dr. E and Dr. Jenna discuss why deliberate preparation before an exposure matters more than most families realize, and how anticipation anxiety can undermine a child's readiness before they even walk through the door. They cover how visuals reduce cognitive load in ways verbal preparation alone cannot, why choice questions are a powerful tool for moving a child from responding to initiating, and how silent goals allow parents to set up supportive environments for resistant or overwhelmed children. They also introduce the look-listen-learn approach to understanding what strategies work best for each individual. -- Chapters: (03:26) What the PVC Model Is and Why Anxiety Makes Communication So Hard (13:19) Why Preparation Before an Exposure Matters More Than the Exposure Itself (25:29) How Visuals Lower Cognitive Load and Why Writing It Down Changes Everything (33:15) Using the Social Communication Bridge to Meet Every Child Where They Are (43:05) Why Choice Questions Are the Key to Moving From Responding to Initiating - ADDITIONAL RESOURCE: Prepare, Visuals, Choices! A Parent’s Guide to Reducing Anxiety and Boosting Communication for Children with Selective Mutism Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference on April, 10th, 2026, with your child or teen’s school staff. 6.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and published by New Edition Productions (neweditionconsulting.com)

Episode 72 of the Unspoken Words podcast features Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum exploring why Selective Mutism is so much more than shyness and why comprehensive assessment matters. In the episode, Dr. E and Dr. Jenna discuss how misunderstanding SM as simple shyness leads to missed diagnoses. They explore the distinction between shyness and anxiety-based communication challenges, identify common comorbidities (ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, sensory processing challenges, and speech/language issues), and explain when additional testing is needed. They also cover how to recognize red flags across settings and why understanding each child's underlying "whys" leads to more effective treatment planning. - ⁠Ask Dr. E⁠ a question of your own! ⁠Learn more⁠ about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our⁠ SMart Center success stories⁠! ⁠Get started⁠ at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes⁠ here⁠. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on⁠ Instagram⁠ &⁠ YouTube⁠ Share our⁠ upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference⁠ on April, 10th, 2026, with your child or teen’s school staff. 6.5 CEs/CEUs are available. ⁠Learn more about CommuniCamp⁠, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at⁠ ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠⁠ This podcast was produced and promoted by⁠ New Edition Consulting⁠ (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP71 of the Unspoken Words podcast features our latest installment of our Ask Dr. E series, where we answer real questions from our listeners. In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. Jenna address five important questions about selective mutism; including behavioral challenges in children who are verbal with peers, whether SM runs in families and how to support multiple children, school separation anxiety and its connection to SM, strategies for progressing beyond whispering, and how to help children who refuse accommodations and show no visible motivation to communicate. Dr. E and Dr. Jenna share evidence-based insights and practical strategies to help parents, educators, and treatment professionals better understand and support individuals navigating selective mutism across different settings and developmental stages. -- Chapters: (04:11) What are behavioral red flags in children with selective mutism who are verbal with peers? (10:28) Does selective mutism run in families, and how should parents support multiple children with SM? (20:04) Is school separation anxiety related to selective mutism, or is it a normal adjustment process? (31:42) What strategies help children progress beyond whispering to using their full voice? (39:49) How do you help children who refuse accommodations and show no visible motivation to communicate? - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference on April, 10th, 2026, with your child or teen’s school staff. 6.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and promoted by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

Episode 70 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed., discussing detecting Selective Mutism early and building the foundation for successful intervention through intentional language and collaborative support. In the episode, Dr. E and Cara explore why early detection matters and why many cases of Selective Mutism are missed in young children. They discuss the distinction between shyness and anxiety-based communication challenges, red flags to watch for, and how intentional language builds confidence without pressure. They also cover first steps toward professional evaluation and treatment planning. -- Chapters: (3:59) Full Body Sensory – Understanding How Anxious Kids Experience the World (7:04) The Four Ages Framework – Why Your Smart Kid Still Can't Handle Social Situations (17:58) Beyond the Label – Why We're Assessing Instead of Understanding (24:44) Tell, Don't Test – How Your Words Shape Anxiety in the Moment (41:13) Connection Over Correction – Building the Foundation for Everything Else - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference on April, 10th, 2026, with your child or teen’s school staff. 6.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and published by New Edition Productions (neweditionconsulting.com)

Episode 69 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and parenting activist and founder of Tilt Parenting, Debbie Reber, on raising neurodivergent children and the connection between neurodivergence and Selective Mutism. In the episode, Dr. E and Debbie explore why Selective Mutism is often overlooked in neurodivergent children and how it co-occurs with autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders. They examine what Selective Mutism looks like across different environments and discuss the unique factors—sensory processing, social fatigue, and executive functioning—that trigger communication anxiety. -- Chapters: (3:48) Introduction to neurodivergence, definitions, and foundational concepts (11:22) Understanding underlying reasons, the emotional/sensory experience, diagnosis and identification (20:32) Practical strategies and parenting approaches (32:16) Connection, relationships, emotional regulation, nervous system (39:33) Practical tools, strategies, parental mindset, resources - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and published by New Edition Productions (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP68 of the Unspoken Words podcast features the five most popular chapter cuts from 2025. -- Chapters: (02:23) VIA EP45 (SHINING STAR) - NICK’S ADVICE TO TEENS STRUGGLING WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM (11:15) VIA EP47 (ASK DR. E) - WHERE SHOULD TREATMENT START FOR A 4-YEAR-OLD W/ SELECTIVE MUTISM? (22:49) VIA EP48 (SHINING STAR) - ALEX’S UNIQUE BUT RELATABLE EXPERIENCE WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM (27:23) VIA EP51 (ASK DR. E) - HOW TEACHERS CAN HELP STUDENTS WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM (37:35) VIA EP60 (W/ DR. NATALIE WEDER) - RESILIENCE & SELECTIVE MUTISM - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP67 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and licensed Occupational Therapist and the creator and host of Adulting with Autism Podcast, April Ratchford, on the intersection of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Selective Mutism in adulthood. In the episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and April Ratchford explore how ASD and Selective Mutism often co-occur and why adults are frequently misdiagnosed or misunderstood. They examine what SM actually looks like across different social settings in adults with ASD, and discuss the unique factors—including sensory processing, social burnout, and executive functioning—that influence communication challenges. -- Chapters: (03:57) Understanding Autism vs. Selective Mutism – Key Differences (07:56) How ASD and SM Present Differently Across Social Settings (14:54) The WHYs Behind Mutism – Sensory Processing and Social Burnout (23:20) Tailored Treatment Strategies for Dual Diagnosis Adults (33:17) Practical Tools and Workplace Accommodations for Success - Ask Dr. E a question and we might answer it on a future podcast episode! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP66 features the latest installment of our Shining Stars series, where we sit down with former SMart Center patients – or their parents – and discuss how they overcame Selective Mutism. This episode, we meet former SMart Center patient, Leo. In this episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Leo’s mom, Misty, discuss how her family found the right treatment approach for Leo, concrete examples of Leo’s expanded communication, and advice for families beginning this journey, and more. -- Chapters: (03:44) Recognizing Leo's Signs – When Leo's Shyness Became Something More (08:03) The Search for Answers – Explaining Four Years Without Progress (14:24) Finding the SMart Center – A Turning Point For Leo (22:03) The Power of Structure – Crossing the Bridge to Communication (29:47) Trust the Process – Lessons for Families on the Journey - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 6.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and promoted by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP65 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and clinical psychiatrist, Dr. Jamie Furr, on the critical role parents play in their child's Selective Mutism treatment. In the episode, Dr. E and Dr. Furr explore the importance of gradual exposure techniques, the impact of parental anxiety, the necessity of creating a supportive environment for children and more. -- Chapters: (5:16) The Parent's Role – Facilitators of Progress and Change (10:36) Understanding Parental Anxiety and Its Impact on Treatment (16:22) Cognitive Strategies and Prepare Steps for Parents (23:24) Building Confidence Through Gradual Exposure and Practice (37:26) Passing the Baton – Empowering Families for Long-Term Success - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP64 of the Unspoken Words podcast features our latest installment of our Ask Dr. E series, where we answer real questions from our listeners. In this episode, we answer five essential questions about selective mutism; including how to distinguish selective mutism from extreme shyness, recognizing behavioral indicators across different settings, understanding the diagnostic process, common mistakes to avoid when helping children with SM, and knowing when to seek professional help. -- Chapters: (3:39) What's the difference between selective mutism and extreme shyness, and how can adults recognize the distinction? (12:52) What are key indicators of selective mutism, and how does it differ at home versus school? (20:25) What's the diagnostic process for selective mutism, and how is it differentiated from social anxiety or speech disorders? (28:40) What common mistakes do parents and teachers make helping children with selective mutism, and what should be avoided? (37:41) When should parents seek professional help for a non-speaking child, and which specialist should they consult? - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and promoted by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP63 features a discussion between Dr E and Dr. Jenna Blum, a lead Clinical Psychologist at the SMart Center and the Director of the SMart Center’s growing general mental health department, Counseling & Assessments. In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. Jenna discuss the upcoming halloween holiday. They talk through practical strategies for helping children with Selective Mutism navigate Halloween activities successfully, how to make Halloween fun rather than pressure-filled, ways to tailor experiences to each child's comfort level and developmental stage, and more. -- Chapters: (3:14) Golden Rules for Halloween Success (05:34) Social Engagement and Front-Line Participation (07:34) At-Home Halloween Activities (13:46) Trick-or-Treating Preparation (18:32) School Halloween Parties - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Learn more about our SM in the School self-paced online course, eligible for 5.5 continuing education credits. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - Reference Handout(s) discussed during episode: https://selectivemutismcenter.org/three-ways-to-prepare-for-halloween/https://selectivemutismcenter.org/tricks-treats-for-a-successful-halloween/- For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and promoted by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP62 features a discussion between Dr E and Dr. Jenna Blum, a lead Clinical Psychologist at the SMart Center and the Director of the SMart Center’s growing general mental health department, Counseling & Assessments. In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. Jenna discuss how to encourage decision making, the importance of fostering self-help skills, developing your child’s problem-solving skills and more. Dr. E and Dr. Jenna Blum discuss strategies for empowering teens and young adults to boost their independence and confidence. -- Chapters: (3:41) The Role of Parents in Supporting Independence (9:47) Setting Personal Goals for Teens (22:13) Time Management and Independence (31:21) The Importance of Decision Making (38:50) Fostering Independence and Financial Literacy - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Learn more about our SM in the School self-paced online course, eligible for 5.5 continuing education credits. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program Reference Handout discussed during episode: https://selectivemutismcenter.org/fostering-independence-in-elementary-aged-children/ - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠

EP61 features the latest installment of our Shining Stars series, where we sit down with former SMart Center patients – or their parents – and discuss how they overcame Selective Mutism. This episode, we meet former SMart Center patient, Josiah D’Angelo. In this episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Josiah’s mom, Dr. Amanda D’Angelo, discuss Josiah’s unique but relatable experience with Selective Mutism, breakthrough strategies and surprise moments, going from isolated to “full volume everyone”, and much, much more. -- Chapters: (3:23) JOSIAH'S UNIQUE BUT RELATABLE EXPERIENCE WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM (10:10) BREAKTHROUGH STRATEGIES & SURPRISE MOMENTS IN JOSIAH’S SELECTIVE MUTISM JOURNEY (20:01) GOING FROM ISOLATED TO EXTROVERTED: HOW JOSIAH BECAME “FULL VOLUME EVERYWHERE” (32:11) COLLABORATING WITH TEACHERS AND SLOWLY INTEGRATING JOSIAH INTO DIFFERENT SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTS (44:29) ADVICE ON PARENTING A CHILD WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore more SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and promoted by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP60 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and psychiatrist, Dr. Natalie Weder, on how to help young children bounce back from social and emotional setbacks. In the episode, Dr. E and Dr. Weder discuss resilience, reframing, recognizing micro-moments of success and more. Chapters: (3:18) Understanding Resilience Through the Lens of Selective Mutism (20:09) Reframing Setbacks as Opportunities: The Role of the Adult (31:27) Building Micro-Moments of Success: The Foundation of Resilience (34:48) Addressing Trauma, Rejection, and Social Pain in Children with SM (38:20) Protective Factors and Practices that Boost Long-Term Resilience Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)

EP59 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a live chat with parents at August 2025 CommuniCamp. In the episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and three participating parents discuss strategies for a positive start to the school year, navigating the bathroom issue at school, what to do when your child refuses to go to school and more. -- Chapters: (5:47) Strategies for Positive Start to School Year (17:41) Every Child’s Needs at School are Different (23:33) Navigating the Bathroom at School (30:15) Effective Ways to Encourage Communication at School (41:27) What to do when your child refuses to go to school - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP58 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jody LeVos, exploring the science behind play-based learning and its powerful role in helping children with selective mutism overcome communication challenges. In the episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jody LeVos discuss how different types of play—from structured therapy to free exploration—can be integrated into treatment to support emotional regulation and encourage speech development. -- Chapters: (6:03) What Science Tells Us About Play and Anxiety (12:09) How Play Can Encourage Progression of Communication in Children with Selective Mutism (18:48) The Intersection of Play and Therapy: How to Integrate Fun into Treatment (30:29) Play Therapy vs Free Play: Which Works Best for Children with Selective Mutism? (44:08) The Different Types of Play - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)

EP57 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a live chat with parents at June 2025 CommuniCamp. In the episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and three participating parents discuss each parent’s unique but relatable experiences with a child with Selective Mutism. -- Chapters: (9:53) The Role Adults Play in Helping Kids Speak (20:25) Tips for Creating Comfort for Children with Selective Mutism (29:45) Helping Your Child Feel Safe in New Environments (35:54) Helping Kids Connect Socially, Even When It’s Hard (42:51) Why Kids Need Real Practice to Start Talking - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and published by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)

EP56 features a discussion between Dr Elisa Shipon-Blum and licensed psychologist Ruth Perednik. In this episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Ruth discuss why children don’t progress by practicing skills only in a treatment setting, how to continue therapy at home, how to get buy-in from teachers and school staff and more. -- Chapters: (3:37) Breaking the traditional therapy model (15:50) The magic of integrative treatment (28:06) Intensive interventions in real time (40:45) Revolutionary school-based supports systems (50:23) Evidence-based results and accountability - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Learn more about our SM in the School self-paced online course, eligible for 5.5 continuing education credits. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and promoted by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP55 features a discussion between Dr E and Dr. Jenna Blum, a lead clinician at the SMart Center and the head of the SMart Center’s growing general mental health department, Counseling & Assessments. In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. Jenna break down how to foster independence in elementary-aged children. They discuss how to encourage decision making, foster self-help skills, develop your child’s problem-solving abilities and more. -- Chapters: (3:38) How to Encourage Decision Making (17:57) Importance of Fostering Self-Help Skills (25:47) Developing your Child’s Problem Solving Skills (32:38) Important of Planning & Routines (38:44) How to Nurture Independence at School - Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Learn more about our SM in the School self-paced online course, eligible for 5.5 continuing education credits. Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program Reference Handout discussed during episode: https://selectivemutismcenter.org/fostering-independence-in-elementary-aged-children/ - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and promoted by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)