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

EP54 of the Unspoken Words podcast features our latest installment of our Ask Dr. E series, where we answer real questions from our listeners.   In the episode, we answer five questions, including how to manage inappropriate behavior in public, recommended summer jobs for a teen with SM, selective mutism vs just refusing to speak & more. -- Chapters:   (4:56) How can I help my 8-year-old manag...

EP53 features a discussion between Dr E and speech & language therapist, Anna Biavati.  In this episode, Dr. E and Anna discuss bilingualism and multilingualism’s connection to Selective Mutism,  the differences Between Speech & Language Difficulties and General Anxiety, how to Treatment & School-Based Accommodations for children with Speech & Language challenges, and more. -- Chap...

EP52 features a discussion between Dr E and clinical psychologist, Dr. Ali Mattu, on the connection between misophonia - a disorder where certain sounds trigger emotional and physiological responses - and Selective Mutism. In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. Ali discuss what misophonia is, it’s connection to general anxiety disorder, strategies and tools to spot it in your children and treat it and mor...

EP51 of the Unspoken Words podcast features our latest installment of our Ask Dr. E series, where we answer real questions from our listeners. In the episode, we answer five questions, including how to handle anxiety-triggered potty talk, should you explain Selective Mutism directly to your child, strategies for teachers & more. Chapters:   (4:36) How do I address my child's anxious potty...

EP50 features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum and Janeen Herskovitz, a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida, on self-care strategies & tips for parents with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Selective Mutism.   In this episode, Dr. E and Janeen discuss the importance of self-care for parents, strategies and tips, understanding emotional dysregulati...

EP49 features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum and Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, on Sensory Challenges and Selective Mutism.   In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. B discuss the relationship between Selective Mutism & Sensory Processing Disorder, Signs Your Child May Have Sensory Issues, Tips to Help your Child with Sensory Issues and more. -- Chapters:   (4:57) Selective Mutism & Sensory Proc...

EP48 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, Alex Collins. In this episode, Dr. E and Alex discuss Alex’s journey with Selective Mutism, what worked during her treatment, advice she has for those still worki...

EP47 of the Unspoken Words podcast  features our latest installment of our Ask Dr. E series, where we answer real questions from our listeners.   In the episode, we answer five questions, including how to deal with contamination; if your child’s impatient, demand-driven behavior is a sign of OCD, if it’s possible to develop SM at home but speak clearly at school and more.  -- Chapters:   (4:18) Ho...

EP46 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a live chat with parents at January 2025 CommuniCamp.   In the episode, Dr. E and three participating parents discuss separation anxiety, strategies to encourage verbal communication, how to address fears of speaking and much more.   -- Chapters:   (5:58) UNDERSTANDING SEPARATION ANXIETY AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE (17:07) STRATEGIES TO ENCOURAGE VERBAL COMM...

EP45 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, Nick Jones.  In this episode, Dr. E and Nick discuss how Nick overcame Selective Mutism, how Nick approaches social interactions today, the importance of small wi...

EP44 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr E. and Kelly Melhorn, BCaBA on life after Selective Mutism.  In this episode, Dr. E and Kelly discuss overcoming selective mutism, navigating social challenges, fostering independence in your children and much more.  Chapter:  (4:24) NAVIGATING LIFE AFTER SELECTIVE MUTISM  (16:20) UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSE(S) OF SELECTIVE MUTISM  (2...

EP43 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 Pushkar and Nicole Marathe, the parents of SMart Center Shining Star, Toyam. In this episode, Dr. E, Pushkar and Nicole discuss Toyam’s SM journey, finding the right support for your child wi...

EP42 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a deep dive discussion between Dr. E and SMart Center Lead Clinician and School Consultant, Jennifer Brittingham, on the popular topic of sibling dynamics.  In the episode, Dr. E and Jen discuss sibling roles, managing jealousy and stress amongst siblings, how different family members react and respond to child’s Selective Mutism and more.  --  This podc...

EP41 of the Unspoken Words podcast features our latest installment of our Ask Dr. E series.  In the episode, we answer five questions, including how hard to push your child to go to school, what to do when your child’s psychologist isn’t helping, ways to reward talking without bringing too much attention to it, and more.  -  Chapters:  (3:18) What is Snoezelen and do you recommend it?  (9:13) Shou...

EP40 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a live chat with parents at CommuniCamp, focusing on preparing for the upcoming holiday season.    In the episode, Dr. E and three participating parents discuss parenting strategies to focus on this upcoming holiday season, how to help children overcome social anxiety during holiday events, understanding silence when dealing with children with selective...

EP39 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr E. and Dr. Jodi Mindell, a Professor of Psychology at Saint Joseph’s University, on sleep and anxiety. In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. Mindell discuss the role of sensory issues in sleep, navigating parent-child sleep dynamics, the overall importance of sleep and much, much more. Chapters:  (3:13) NAVIGATING SLEEP CHALLENGES IN AN...

EP38 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 Jenny, mom to Shining Star Emily.    In this episode, Dr. E and Emily’s mom, Jenny, to discuss Emily’s SM journey, the importance of parental involvement, embracing our children’s unique gift...

EP37 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr E and Kati Morton, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, author and media personality – on how parents and caregivers can better manage the stress often associated with raising an individual with Selective Mutism.     In this episode, Dr. E and Kati Morton discuss parent and caregiver stress, the importance of self-care for pa...

EP36 of the Unspoken Words Podcast features a detailed discussion between Dr E and Dr. Jenna on Authoritative Parenting.    In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. Jenna discuss the importance of authoritative parenting, why authoritative parenting is the most ideal type of parenting style during treatment, ways to become an authoritative parent and more.    --  This podcast was produced by New Edition Con...

EP35 of the Unspoken Words podcast features our latest installment of our Ask Dr. E series.    In the episode, we answer five listener questions, including ways to help a home-schooled child make friends, how to deal with SM as an adult, the concept of “parental expectations” and more.    --  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)  -  Chapters:  (3:06) Biling...

EP34 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a live chat with parents at CommuniCamp™, focusing on preparing children with Selective Mutism for the back-to-school transition.    In the episode, Dr. E and four participating parents discuss unlearning old parenting habits, tips for acclimating to a new school year, balancing structure and flexibility as a parent and much, much more.  --  This podcast...

EP33 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a detailed discussion between Dr. E and Dr. Jenna on the critical role parenting plays in the treatment of Selective Mutism.  In the episode, Dr. E and Dr. Jenna dive into the four main parenting styles – permissive, authoritarian, uninvolved and authoritative – highlighting their characteristics and impact on treatment.  --  This podcast was produced by...

This episode of the Unspoken Words podcast features a live chat with five parents at CommuniCamp.  Dr. E discusses with the participating parents their experiences and concerns, particularly how their children become non-verbal in certain social situations such as meeting school peers. Strategies discussed include using bridging techniques, diligent parental involvement, the importance of school-b...

In this episode, Dr. E. introduces Dr. Jenna to the SMart Center’s podcast audience. Dr. Jenna received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is now working full-time at the SMart Center. They discuss Dr. Jenna's passion for psychology, her career path, her upcoming role at the SMart Center and more.  --  This podcast was produced, published and promoted by New Edition Consulting (neweditio...

EP31 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a detailed discussion between Dr. E and Dr. Eric Endlich on the process and challenges of securing college accommodations for students with disabilities.    In the episode, Dr. E and Dr. Endlich discuss the differences between K-12 and college accommodations, the role of self-advocacy, types of accommodations available, the importance of early preparatio...