Unspoken Words: A Selective Mutism Podcast by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum25 Helmi

EP72: Understanding the Underlying Causes of Selective Mutism w/ Dr. Jenna Blum

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.

(04:22) Why "Just Get Them Comfortable" Doesn't Work When Treating Selective Mutism

(14:21) Recognizing That Selective Mutism Is More Than Shyness

(19:35) Selective Mutism Comorbidities You Need to Know About

(28:19) The Less Anxious A Mute Child Looks, the More You Need to Dig Deeper

(33:16) Assessing and Testing a Selectively Mute Individual

⁠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)

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Jaksot(96)

1 on 1 w/ Christie (a mom whose son was diagnosed with Selective Mutism at 3 years old)

In this Unspoken Words Short, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (Dr. E) sits down with Christie, whose son was diagnosed with selective mutism in 2022 at three and a half years old.Together, they look back on his...

2 Syys 7min

EP82: Live Chat w/ Parents @ August CommuniCamp

Episode 82 of Unspoken Words brings listeners inside CommuniCamp for a roundtable between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and three families raising kids with selective mutism, each at a different stage: a coup...

24 Elo 50min

1 on 1 w/ Maureen (a mom whose son overcame Selective Mutism)

In this Unspoken Words Short, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (Dr. E) sits down with Maureen, whose son Lucas first came to the SMart Center for treatment at age three. Together in this episode, they to look ba...

17 Elo 13min

1 on 1 w/ Leila (a teen who overcame Selective Mutism)

This episode of the Unspoken Words podcast is a reunion. Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum sits down with Leila, who first came to the SMart Center for treatment at age 14, to reflect on what actually changes whe...

10 Elo 15min

EP81: Stop Asking "How Do I Get My Child to Talk?”. Ask This instead…

Episode 81 of the Unspoken Words podcast features Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum returning to the foundation of it all — what S-CAT, or Social Communication Anxiety Treatment, really is, and...

3 Elo 51min

EP80: Live Chat w/ Parents @ June CommuniCamp

Episode 80 of the Unspoken Words podcast takes listeners inside CommuniCamp for a candid roundtable between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and three parents raising children with selective mutism. Their storie...

27 Heinä 44min

EP79: How to Choose the Right Treatment Program for Your Child w/ Dr. Jenna Blum

Episode 79 of the Unspoken Words podcast features Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum exploring the power of intensive group treatment for Selective Mutism — and why it works as a springboard tha...

29 Kesä 49min

EP78: Why Preparation Reduces Anxiety & Unlocks Communication w/ Dr. Jenna Blum

Episode 78 of the Unspoken Words podcast features Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum exploring the power of preparation — why structured action plans reduce anxiety and unlock communication for ...

22 Kesä 53min