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

SMart Center
  • 5.0 (25)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Selective Mutism is a social communication anxiety disorder that can be incredibly difficult to navigate and often misunderstood. Fortunately, your host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum DO, has over 30 years of experience in understanding and treating Selective Mutism. This podcast serves to educate those who are struggling (or those who may know someone who is struggling) and to allow their words to be heard. Listen along for tips, strategies, and everything and anything selective mutism. For all podcast inquiries please contact Dakota Hornak at dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org

  1. FEB 9

    EP71 (Ask Dr. E): Behavioral challenges, family SM patterns, school separation anxiety, whispering strategies & more

    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)

    54 min

  2. JAN 26

    EP70: Detecting Selective Mutism Early w/ Cara Tyrell

    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)

    1h 5m

  3. JAN 12

    EP69: Raising Neurodivergent Children w/ Deborah Reber

    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 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)

    50 min

  4. 12/29/2025

    EP68: Best of 2025

    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)

    56 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    EP67: Adulting with Autism w/ April Ratchford

    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)

    53 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    EP66: How Shining Star, Leo, Overcame Selective Mutism

    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)

    37 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    EP65: A Parent's Guide to Navigating Selective Mutism w/ Dr. Jami Furr

    EP65 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and clinical psychiatrist, Dr. Jami 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)

    55 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    EP64 (Ask Dr. E): Selective Mutism vs shyness, recognizing key indicators, understanding diagnosis & more

    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)

    50 min
See All (82)

Trailer

5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Selective Mutism is a social communication anxiety disorder that can be incredibly difficult to navigate and often misunderstood. Fortunately, your host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum DO, has over 30 years of experience in understanding and treating Selective Mutism. This podcast serves to educate those who are struggling (or those who may know someone who is struggling) and to allow their words to be heard. Listen along for tips, strategies, and everything and anything selective mutism. For all podcast inquiries please contact Dakota Hornak at dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org

Information

You Might Also Like