• EP52: Misophonia & Selective Mutism: When Sounds Trigger Emotional & Physiological Responses w/ Dr. Ali Mattu
    May 5 2025

    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)


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    59 mins
  • EP51 (Ask Dr. E): How to handle anxiety-triggered potty talk, should you explain Selective Mutism directly to your child, strategies for teachers & more
    Apr 21 2025

    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)

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    40 mins
  • EP50: Autism Spectrum Disorder & Selective Mutism - Parental Self-Care Strategies & Tips w/ Janeen Herskovitz, LMHC
    Apr 7 2025

    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)

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • EP49: Intro to Sensory Challenges & Selective Mutism w/ Dr. Bethany Bilodeau
    Mar 24 2025

    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)

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    43 mins
  • EP48: How Shining Star, Alex, Overcame Selective Mutism
    Mar 10 2025

    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)

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    28 mins
  • EP47 (Ask Dr. E): Dealing with contamination, whether impatience is a sign of OCD, if developing SM at home but not at school is possible & more
    Feb 24 2025

    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)

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    37 mins
  • EP46: Live Chat w/ Parents @ CommuniCamp
    Feb 10 2025

    EP46 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a live chat with parents at January 2025 CommuniCamp.

    In the episode, Dr. E and three participating parents discuss separation anxiety, strategies to encourage verbal communication, how to address fears of speaking and much more.

    --

    Chapters:

    (5:58) UNDERSTANDING SEPARATION ANXIETY AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE (17:07) STRATEGIES TO ENCOURAGE VERBAL COMMUNICATION(24:46) HOW PARENTS CAN CREATE A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR CHILDREN (29:50) ADDRESSING FEARS AND CONCERNS ABOUT SPEAKING (35:58) WAYS TO EMPOWER AND ENCOURAGE YOUR 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 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 by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)

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    43 mins
  • EP45: How Shining Star, Nick, Overcame Selective Mutism
    Jan 27 2025

    EP45 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, Nick Jones.

    In this episode, Dr. E and Nick discuss how Nick overcame Selective Mutism, how Nick approaches social interactions today, the importance of small wins and much, much more.

    --

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

    -

    Chapters:

    (3:30) NICK’S SELECTIVE MUTISM BATTLE BEGAN AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
    (10:09) SELECTIVE MUTISM STILL PLAYS A ROLE IN NICK’S EVERYDAY LIFE
    (14:42) NICK’S ADVICE TO TEENS STRUGGLING WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM
    (24:05) WHEN YOU HAVE SELECTIVE MUTISM, TEXTING IS EASIER THAN IN-PERSON CONVERSATIONS
    (28:25) NICK’S BATTLE WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM SERVES AS A BEACON OF HOPE FOR OTHERS

    -

    Ask Dr. E a question of your own!

    Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum

    Explore our SMart Center success stories, including Nick Jones!

    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

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    33 mins