Unspoken Words: A Selective Mutism Podcast by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum26 Jan

EP70: Detecting Selective Mutism Early w/ Cara Tyrell

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.

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

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)

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Episoder(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 Sep 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 Aug 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 Aug 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 Aug 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 Aug 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 Jul 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 Jun 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 Jun 53min