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

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 Clinical Psycholgoist 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 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 programReference 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)

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 manage loud, inappropriate restaurant behavior?(10:56) What summer jobs work for my 15-year-old daughter with selective mutism?(18:33) What strategies help an 8-year-old with selective mutism and oppositional behaviors?(23:21) How do you distinguish selective mutism from conscious refusal to speak?(30:59) Should I relocate with my 4-year-old who has 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 - For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and promoted by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

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.--Chapters: (6:18) Bilingualism & Multilingualism and Selective Mutism, A General Understanding(17:27) Differences Between Speech & Language Difficulties and General Anxiety(31:26) Speech & Language Challenges: Treatment & School-Based Accommodations(41:46) Family & School Involvement in Speech & Language Treatment(53:37) How to Utilize Visuals and Games to Stimulate Language Learning- 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)

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 more.--Chapters: (3:51) Understanding Misophonia(11:14) Misophonia’s connection to general anxiety disorder(19:06) How parents can spot Misophonia in their children(28:25) Strategies & tools for managing Misophonia(39:36) Experimentation and advocacy are the keys to overcoming Misophonia- 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 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)

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 talk?(9:06) How do I make sure my selectively mute child is safe in swim class?(14:35) How do I help my teen speak up in peer groups?(21:22) Should we discuss Selective Mutism with our children?(26:29) How can teachers help students with selective mutism interact with peers?-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)

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 dysregulation, and more.--Chapters: (3:39) The Importance of Parental Self-Care(16:51) Self-Care Strategies for Parents(29:34) Understanding Emotional Dysregulation(43:40) Importance of Downtime(54:41) More Self-Care Strategies for Parents- 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 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)

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 Processing Disorder(11:03) Signs Your Child May Have Sensory Issues(19:56) Tips to Help your Child with Sensory Issues(30:15) Impact of Sensory Overload on Communication(37:18) What Can Trigger Sensory Overload?- 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 C&A, our General Mental health Counseling & Assessments division.- For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and promoted by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

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 working to overcome SM, and much, much more.--Chapters: (5:28) ALEX’S UNIQUE BUT RELATABLE EXPERIENCE WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM(9:41) STRATEGIES THAT HELPED ALEX THE MOST DURING HER JOURNEY WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM(14:34) ALEX’S LIFE AFTER SELECTIVE MUTISM(18:15) ALEX’S ADVICE TO CHILDREN & PARENTS CURRENTLY WORKING TO OVERCOME SELECTIVE MUTISM(21:45) HOW CHILDREN AND TEENS PROGRESS DURING COMMUNICAMP- 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)

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) How do you deal with contamination?(11:12) Are my six-year-old daughter's impatience, refusal to comply until she gets what she wants, and negative assumptions about others related to OCD, and are they treatable?(16:28) Can a teenager develop SM at home but speak clearly at school?(20:44) How can I help my 10-year-old son with ASD and selective mutism continue building social confidence despite lingering anxiety in certain situations?(25:14) Where should treatment start for a 4-year-old with selective mutism and "the quad," especially given school-related challenges, to maximize progress without overwhelming the child?- Ask Dr. Ea question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore ourSMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodeshere. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast onInstagram &YouTube Share ourupcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 6.5 CEs/CEUs are available. Learn more about C&A, our General Mental health Counseling & Assessments division.- For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and promoted byNew Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)