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

This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)  -  This episode features the latest installment of our Shining Star series. Olive was diagnosed with Selective Mutism in pre-school, when her parents noticed she wasn’t talking in school yet was fully verbal and “normal” at home.   In this episode, Dr. E sits down with Olive's mom, Mindy, to discuss how Olive overcame Selective Mutism, what Olive is like today, and the strategies that worked.  -  Chapters:  (3:14) Mindy and her daughter Olive’s Selective Mutism Story  (8:10) Mindy and her daughter's experience at CommuniCamp  (12:17) The tipping point moment where treatment was the only way through  (15:24) What's Olive like today?  (23:27) Importance of Parental Education  (27:22) Mindy's advice to parents and strategies that worked for her and her child  (42:07) How Mindy helped her child build social connections  -  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 episodes of Unspoken Words here.  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 by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)  ⁠We Learn more about C&A⁠, our General Mental health Counseling & Assessments division -  In the latest installment of our Ask Dr. E series, we answer four listener questions; including whether or not the use of basic signs is good for a Selectively Mute child, to what to do when specific accommodations don’t seem to be working, to what to do when your child is scared to ask to go to the bathroom at school, and more.  -  Questions:  (2:39) I am a kindergarten teacher that uses basic signs with all my students, including my student with SM. Is this ok?  (9:56) Despite weekly lunch bunches, my child in pre-school hasn't seen much improvement. Do you have any recommendations on how do we get her past this stage?  (20:37) My child doesn’t feel comfortable asking to go to the bathroom in school, so he doesn't drink out of his water bottle. How do we handle this?  (26:37) Recommendations for ways to continue progressing during sessions now that the child's mom can no longer be present.  -  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 episodes of Unspoken Words here.  -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠

This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)  -  In the episode, Dr. E and autism expert, Dr. Vera Joffe, discuss the coexistence of SM and autism, the differentiation between the two, treatment considerations, school-based accommodations, and the importance of early screening for autism.  Timestamps:  (2:52) The link between SM and Autism  (16:36) “Sometimes, parents are in denial”  (23:00) The difference between an individual with SM and an individual with Autism  (34:39) Treatment considerations for Autism  (44:57) Findings from Dr. Joffe’s SM & Comorbidity study  (49:42) School-based accommodations for individuals with SM & Autism  -  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 episodes of Unspoken Words here.  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 episode offers valuable insights from Dr. E, Jen, and school professionals, James and Lindsey, on empowering students with selective mutism in the classroom.  - Timestamps:  (04:16) Student overcomes school anxiety with teacher support.  (06:57) Prepare and support children to ease transitions.  (11:01) Observe children and note behavior in class.  (16:00) Use songs and sounds to engage cat.  (18:03) Small groups or one-on-one aid progress.  (21:25) Encouraging verbal interactions to move to next stage.  (24:48) Be cautious of tallying for motivation.  (29:34) Student excels in independent projects, delivers eloquently.  (30:22) Fostering student engagement and growth in class.  (35:11) Preparing thoughts, sharing verbally, mastering social cues.  (39:06) Each child's unique needs require personalized approach.  (42:28) Focused support and communication helps student thrive.  (45:51) Guide parents on appropriate involvement in school.  (47:43) Parents need education on selective mutism support.  -  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 episodes of Unspoken Words here.  -  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ 

This episode features a conversation between Dr. E and Lynn Lyons, LICSW. Dr. E and Lynn discuss how to balance parental intervention and accommodations to avoid the pitfalls of excessive worry and anxiety that could cripple a child's development. They emphasized the need for regular parental modeling, skill-building, and promoting flexibility rather than rigidity. - TOPICS:  (04:48) GENERATIONAL ANXIETY IS REAL  (09:41) PARENTS NEED TO BE INVOLVED IN THEIR KID'S TREATMENT, TOO  (16:15) HOW PARENTS CAN MANAGE THEIR OWN ANXIETY  (37:29) PARENTS NEED A SELF-CARE ROUTINE  (47:00) WHERE TO BEGIN IF YOU'RE AN ANXIOUS PARENT  -  MORE ON THIS EPISODE’S GUEST, LYNN LYONS:  Lynn travels internationally as a speaker and trainer on the subject of anxiety, its role in families, and the need for a preventative approach at home and in schools. She is a sought-after expert, appearing in the New York Times, Time, NPR, Psychology Today, Good Morning America, the Today Show and other media outlets. Lynn is a featured expert in the recent documentary Anxious Nation.  With a special interest in breaking the generational cycle of worry in families, Lynn is the author/coauthor of several books and articles on anxiety, including Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous & Independent Children, and the companion book for kids, Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids. Her latest book for adults and teenagers, The Anxiety Audit was released October ’22.   Lynn is the co-host of the popular podcast Flusterclux.  -  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 episodes of Unspoken Words here.  -  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ 

This episode is a Live Chat with Parents, hosted by Dr. E and moderated by LisaMarie. This is a special recording focused on children ages nine to 12 with selective mutism. Three parents, Daphne, Edwin, and Julie, engage in conversation, sharing their experiences and asking Dr. E questions related to their children's specific circumstances. -- Questions:  (3:40) HOW CAN I BE THE BEST ADVOCATE FOR MY DAUGHTER IN SCHOOL? WE ATTEND A PRIVATE SCHOOL.  (9:54) PUBLIC SCHOOL VS PRIVATE SCHOOL. WHICH IS MORE EFFECTIVE FOR A CHILD WITH SM?  (15:25) HANDLING THE MISCONCEPTION THAT KIDS WITH SM ARE DEFIANT OR NON-COMPLIANT  (26:19) HOW TO ENCOURAGE A YOUNG TEEN TO BE MORE OF AN ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVES  (35:36) IF WE LIFT MY CHILD'S SM, IS THERE A CHANCE THAT IT'LL COME BACK?  (39:58) WAYS TO BUILD COMFORT IN SCHOOL AND SETTING IMPACTFUL IEP GOALS  (44:39) HOW TO REGAIN THE MOMENTUM AFTER A DIGRESSION  (49:00) WAYS TO MAINTAIN OLD FREINDSHIPS AS YOUR CHILD'S INTEREST GROW AND EVOLVE  (51:45) WOULD A MONTESSORI SCHOOL BE BENEFICIAL FOR MY CHILD? -  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 episodes of Unspoken Words here.  -  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ 

In the latest installment of our Ask Dr E podcast series, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum answers five wide-ranging listeners questions relating to Selective Mutism.  Questions:  (1:45) WHAT TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO BEGIN TREATING INDIVIDUALS WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM?  (7:17) MY SEVEN YEAR OLD SON DOESN’T SPEAK IN SCHOOL. ANY SUGGESSTIONS?  (1:18) HOW DO I GET MY CHILD PAST THE VERBAL INTERMEDIARY STAGE?   (9:17) WHEN SHOULD WE USE AAC DEVICES OR APPS IN TREATMENT?  (28:01) HOW DO WE GET OUR CHILD TO STOP WEARING THEIR MASK 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 episodes of Unspoken Words here.  -  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ 

Audrey Whisman was diagnosed with Selective Mutism when she was in 5th Grade. After Audrey’s teachers began to share her challenges with her parents, they soon found their way to the SMart Center. Today, over 10 years after her diagnosis, Audrey is absolutely thriving. In this episode, Dr. E sits down with Audrey to discuss how she overcame Selective Mutism. Timestamps (1:37):  (2:58) AUDREY'S STORY  (5:51) TREATMENT STRATEGIES THAT WORKED (8:10) LEAVING SYMPTOMS BEHIND (12:31) ADVICE TO INDIVIDUALS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS  (22:29) FIGHTING OFF ANXIETY AND NOT LOOKING BACK -  ⁠Ask Dr. E⁠ any questions you may have from the 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 episodes of Unspoken Words ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Relevant resources:  Audrey's Shining Star Feature - This podcast was made possible thanks to ⁠New Edition Consulting.⁠  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠⁠⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠⁠

In this week’s episode, Dr. E answers a handful of holiday-themed mailbag questions from our community. We chat about how to handle family relatives at large family gatherings, tips to give to your child’s teacher ahead of upcoming holiday parties, realistic goals to set for your teen while doing your holiday shopping, and more.   - Timestamps:  [04:37] HOW DO I HANDLE FAMILY RELATIVES WHO DON'T KNOW MY CHILD HAS SM?  (14:05) TIPS TO SHARE WITH TEACHERS AHEAD OF HOLIDAY EVENTS  (24:43) SHOULD I ENCOURAGE MY CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR SCHOOL PERFORMANCE?  (33:23) HOW SHOULD I BRING MY CHILD OR TEEN AROUND BUSY SHOPPING ENVIRONMENTS?  (42:21) COMMON STRATEGIES TO USE OVER THE HOLIDAYS  -  Ask Dr. E any questions you may have from the 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 episodes of Unspoken Words ⁠here⁠.  Relevant resources:  Handout – Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum’s Holiday Preparations and Practicalities  Podcast – EP18: Holiday Prep  Blog – Why an individual develops Selective Mutism and why it persists  This podcast was made possible thanks to New Edition Consulting.  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠⁠

[NOTE: this episode originally aired November 2022]  The holiday season is here! While it’s a fun and joyous time, it can also be a stressful and overwhelming time for children and teens with Selective Mutism. Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum sits down with co-host Alex Collins to answer some listener questions on how to best prepare yourself, child or teen heading into the holidays.   Timestamps:  [02:17] What can parents do to prepare their child/teen for the holiday season?  [05:15] Ways to communicate with relatives  [20:11] How to approach a holiday party at school  [30:15] School performances and shows  [33:17] Communications strategies   [35:55] Different types of travelers  -  Ask Dr. E any questions you may have from the 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 episodes of Unspoken Words ⁠here⁠.  Relevant resources:  Handout – Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum’s Holiday Preparations and Practicalities Handout  Brochure – What is Selective Mutism  This podcast was made possible thanks to New Edition Consulting.  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠⁠