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.

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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

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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

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For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ 

This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)