Episode 72 of the Unspoken Words podcast features Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum exploring why Selective Mutism is so much more than shyness and why comprehensive assessment matters.

In the episode, Dr. E and Dr. Jenna discuss how misunderstanding SM as simple shyness leads to missed diagnoses.

They explore the distinction between shyness and anxiety-based communication challenges, identify common comorbidities (ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, sensory processing challenges, and speech/language issues), and explain when additional testing is needed.

They also cover how to recognize red flags across settings and why understanding each child's underlying "whys" leads to more effective treatment planning.

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⁠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

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

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

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.

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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?

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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)

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.

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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

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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)