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

This episode offers valuable insights from Dr. E, Jen, and school professionals, James and Lindsey, on empowering students with selective mutism in the classroom. 

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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. 

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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.

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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 

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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. 

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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.

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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?

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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? 

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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

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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.  

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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 

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[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 

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In the third installment of our Ask Dr E podcast series, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum answers four wide-ranging questions from our listeners. 

Questions: 

(1:32) Should we get our son tested? 

(6:55) Why is my child leaving their test blank? 

(13:59) Should we start medication?  

(20:51) Tips for traveling with a teen with Selective Mutism 

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This episode features a live discussion with Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum and four teenagers at a recent CommuniCamp.

The four teens share their individual experiences with Selective Mutism, answering questions, providing advice and recommendations, and serving as a beacon of hope and support to anyone else going through their own journey with Selective Mutism.

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Dr. E sits down with SMart Center Lead Clinician Jennifer Brittingham to discuss ways to navigate the testing and assessment process, what to do when your child has difficulty engaging with peers, how to build comfort with teachers, and more.  

Topics: 

(1:54) How to navigate the testing process 

(17:51) What if my child has difficulty engaging with peers? 

(30:01) How to build comfort with teachers   

(39:18) Strategies for children to become more responsive in the classroom  

(42:54) Does your child have difficulty starting and completing tasks? 

(50:28) How to accommodate picky eating  

(57:46) How to navigate changes and transitions 

(1:01:35) Final thoughts/recommendations heading into the school year 

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Dr. E is joined once again by SMart Center Lead Clinician Jennifer Brittingham to discuss the differences between 504 and IEP plans, ways to get your child’s school staff on board with treatment, how to make progress without a formal 504 or IEP plan, and more. This episode is the perfect primer for the new school year ahead.  

Topics: 

(2:46) The difference between IEPs and 504s 

(11:03) You can make progress without a formal 504 or IEP 

(17:29) 504 vs IEP: When’s a good time for each.    

(31:26) Ways to get the school on board with treatment  

(35:49) School isn't all about academics. It's about building social skills, too. 

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[NOTE: this episode originally aired September 2022]

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum welcomes Jennifer Brittingham LPC, a SMart Center lead clinician and school consultant to the podcast to discuss all things back to school! From preparing your child/teen and their teachers, to the comfort-building strategies that help with progression of communication, to how to educate the school, to determining IEP & 504 plans, this episode is jam-packed!

(2:50) - How to prepare your child for school

(12:51) - What if my child has anxiety or a panic attack during school?

(17:01) - What if the teacher calls on me?

(21:30) - How do you recommend we build comfort and help with progression of communication?

(35:09) - How do you recommend educating the school?

(43:26) - How do you determine what type of plan you recommend (i.e., 504, IEP)?

(49:40) - Bathroom and eating issues

(1:01:48) - Taking the Bus

In the second installment of our Ask Dr E podcast series, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum answers five questions relating to teenagers with Selective Mutism. 

Questions: 

(1:12) How do we apply CBT when our teenager visits the doctor?

(8:05) Is there any hope for my almost 16 year old son? 

(14:35) How can I support getting my teenager to talk in their regular voice at school? 

(20:19) Any suggestions on ways to build friendships in and out of the classroom? 

(25:52) Should I be concerned about my son's emotional regulation? 

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This episode features a great discussion between Dr. E and Jennifer Brittingham – the SMart Center’s Lead Clinician and School Consultant - on what parents can do to prepare their children for the summer months ahead. These next few months will provide individuals with SM with some unique opportunities. There will be untraditional socialization situations with peers, visits with extended family, and may even include a summer vacation to a new, unfamiliar place. Dr E and Jen break all these scenarios down and more in this episode. 

Timestamps: 

(2:05) Importance of socializing throughout the summer 

(7:13) What to look for when choosing a summer camp 

(13:25) Pre-camp tips to get child ready for day 1 of camp 

(17:41) How to create opportunities for social communication  

(26:17) Do’s and don’t’s when trying to create comfort during the summer  

(30:57) Putting it all together 

(33:36) Don't underestimate utilizing family, friends, and relatives 

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This episode features a second installation of our live chat with parents. In this episode, we focus the discussion on children ages three to eight with Selective Mutism.

This live chat is moderated once again by CommuniCamp Director and Outreach Coordinator, LisaMarie Vargas. Thank you to the parents who joined the show and for engaging in a thoughtful discussion with Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum and LisaMarie!  

Topics: 

(00:46) Participants introductions 

(2:00) My child is progressing nicely during play dates and even at places like restaurants, however not as much at school. How can we help our child carry their progress into the classroom? 

(7:51) Tips for navigating emotional regulation  

(16:46) Can a child grow out of Selective Mutism?  

(23:00) Help with initiating conversation  

(32:28) My child won’t leave the house without his baseball hat on... 

(39:54) Strategies when dealing with separation anxiety  

(46:10) What are next steps when you feel like exposures aren’t working out as well as you’d hoped? 

(58:00) Final thoughts 

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This is Part 2 (of 2) of Dr Elisa Shipon-Blum's discussion with Jennifer Brittingham, LPC on Stage 2 of the Social Communication Bridge®, otherwise known as the transitional stage of communication. Here at the SMart Center, we often refer to this stage as ‘The Missing Link’ to treatment.  

Timestamps: 

(03:49) Verbal intermediary in school setting 

(13:07) ‘Selective whisperers’ 

(21:37) Use of sounds 

(24:29) Sound activity example 

(33:01) Ritual Sound Approach 

(44:26) Final remarks 

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Dr Elisa Shipon-Blum is joined once again by Jennifer Brittingham, LPC to break down Stage 2 of the Social Communication Bridge®, otherwise known as the transitional stage of communication. Here at the SMart Center, we often refer to this stage as ‘The Missing Link’ to treatment.  

Timestamps: 

(01:04) Dr. E's pop quiz (get out your pen and paper!) 

(07:22) Re-familiarizing parents with the Social Communication Bridge® 

(08:55) How and why Dr. E began focusing her treatment on the ‘Transitional Stage’  

(14:29) Three types of transitional strategies 

(15:11) Using augmented devices; should parents record their child talking without them knowing? 

(22:15) Unpacking verbal intermediaries 

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A few weeks ago, Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum had the pleasure of joining Dr. Ray Christner and Paul Wagner on the Psyched to Practice podcast. Psyched to Practice is a podcast designed to explore the far reaches of mental health. Dr. E and the podcast's co-hosts covered a lot of great material on Selective Mutism and we want to bring everything discussed directly to our podcast feed.

Thank you, Dr. Ray Christner and Paul Wagner, for allowing us to bring this amazing episode to our listeners! 

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If you follow us on social media or receive our monthly newsletter, you’re likely familiar with our ongoing Ask Dr. E segment. “Ask Dr E” is where our community can ask Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum any question they have on any topic relating to Selective Mutism.

Since rolling out this segment in 2022, we have received some amazing questions. As a result, we are giving the segment more life by giving it its own series on our podcast feed! These Q&A-type episodes will be released once a quarter, and we can’t be more excited!

In our first Ask Dr E episode, Dr. E provided insight into the following situations:

(01:15) A parent of a 3rd grader with SM whose school is focused only on getting her son to speak, instead of focusing first on interacting and communicating non-verbally.

(5:30) A 4th grade girl whose mom is watching her child lose her sense of confidence yet the school has not yet brought up the need for accommodations and/or interventions

(9:35) What to do when a private school is not receptive to the SM diagnosis

(14:15) A 3rd grade girl struggling in school and showing avoidance behaviors

(20:30) Whether or not to carry on with a child’s 504 plan when they may or may not need it.

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Dr Elisa Shipon-Blum speaks with parents of teenagers with Selective Mutism and answers some of their questions. The discussion is moderated by CommuniCamp Director and Outreach Coordinator LisaMarie Vargas. Thank you to both parents who joined the show and for engaging in a thoughtful discussion with Dr. E and LisaMarie!

Topics:

(00:27) Participant introductions

(1:16) How is treatment different for teens and adults with SM compared to children?

(12:30) If a teen is struggling to make friends and they are too old for play dates, what can parents do to give them opportunities to practice treatment strategies?

(23:49) What is depression's role in the treatment of teens?

(26:16) Finding the right therapist

(29:25) How does sensory processing play a role in Selective Mutism and how does that relate to picky eating?

(36:35) There is hope/help for your teen!

(42:36) Why teens tend to "do worse" when their parents are around

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Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum welcomes Jennifer Brittingham, LPC back to the podcast to discuss the general approach to providing effective school-based accommodations and interventions and why it’s important to have them. Just like past episodes when Dr. E and Jen get together, the two long-time colleagues cover A LOT of material.

Timestamps:

(1:43) The Importance of Accommodations and Training

(6:49) Approaching School-Based Accommodations

(13:10) Moving Through the Social Communication Bridge®

(17:00) IEPs and 504s

(29:30) Building comfort can also be considered progress

(36:00) Whether or not to hold a child with SM back a grade

(43:59) Are goals the same when a child is mute?

(50:00) Comfortable vs. uncomfortable mutism

(59:30) Comfort and connection

(1:07:00) How to test for accommodations

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This bonus episode features a live Q&A panel that was recorded at a recent CommuniCamp. In this episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum moderates a five-guest panel of former patients and parents of patients who share their journey overcoming Selective Mutism. The Q&A panel is one of our most popular sessions at CommuniCamp. It offers camp attendees much needed support and hope.

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Timestamps:

(1:17) Panelist Intros

• Nick (patient)
• Glenda’s Intro (parent)
• Alex’s Intro (patient)
• Sophie’s Intro (patient)
• Rachel’s Intro (parent)

(10:29) Key strategies that helped panelists beat Selective Mutism

(14:45) Anxiety associated when making progress

(22:46) How to navigate sibling relationships

(28:45) Staying motivated to continue treatment after CommuniCamp

(32:17) How to know when you need help

(34:22) The role of teachers

(46:50) Struggling with schoolwork + asking for help at school when needed

(50:05) Handling pushback from school staff regarding accommodation and treatment

(52:33) Dealing with peer pressure and bullying

(56:07) Telling school peers about battle with SM

(1:00:14) Struggling with depression

(1:03:10) Advice to children and teens with SM

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The holiday season is here! Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum sits down with co-host Alex Collins to answer some 'Ask Dr. E' questions on how to best prepare yourself, child or teen heading into the holidays.

(0:00) Intro

(1:37) Prepare your child/teen for the holiday season

(4:35) Communicating with relatives

(19:01) Holiday parties 

(29:35) School performances / shows

(32:37) Overall communication strategies

(35:15) Different types of Travelers

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Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum welcomes Jennifer Brittingham, LPC, back on the podcast to discuss the prevalence of eating, sleeping, toileting, and behavioral difficulties associated with Selective Mutism – otherwise known as the ‘Quad’. Get out your pen and paper, because this 99-minute episode is jam-packed!

(0:00) - Intro

(1:19) - What is the QUAD

(4:07) - Results from the SMart Center's study on the QUAD

(9:15) - Eating issues

(30:49) - Sleeping issues

(52:40) - Toileting issues

(1:14:01) - Difficult behaviors + tips for parents

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Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum uses this month’s podcast episode to explain the reasons to consider the use of medication as an adjunct in the treatment of Selective Mutism. The SMart Center receives questions on this topic all the time. “Should I use medication?” “For how long should I use medication?” “What type of medication should I use?” “What’s the dosing of medication to use?” “When can I ween off?” “How do I ween?” Dr. E answers all of these questions and more in this month’s episode.

(0:00) - Intro

(4:09) - On prescribing Xanex or Valium

(5:10) - Why use medication

(7:12) - When to use medication

(10:49) - How to use medication

(14:20) – Medication-induced side effects to be aware of

(18:26) – Medication's long-term effects

(20:10) – Common concerns around using medication

(22:53) – How to tell a child or teen they are going on medication

(24:52) – Weening off medication

(27:36) – How long should someone be on medication

(28:45) – Listener Q&A

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum welcomes Jennifer Brittingham LPC, a SMart Center lead clinician and school consultant to the podcast to discuss all things back to school! From preparing your child/teen and their teachers, to the comfort-building strategies that help with progression of communication, to how to educate the school, to determining IEP & 504 plans, this episode is jam-packed!

(2:01) - How to prepare your child for school

(12:02) - What if my child has anxiety or a panic attack during school?

(16:12) - What if the teacher calls on me?

(20:41) - How do you recommend we build comfort and help with progression of communication?

(34:20) - How do you recommend educating the school?

(42:37) - How do you determine what type of plan you recommend (i.e., 504, IEP)?

(48:51) - Bathroom and eating issues

(1:01:07) - Taking the Bus

We received A TON of questions after our two-part episode on The Social Communication Bridge®. So, we decided to record a BONUS episode and answer some of them!

In this bonus episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum answers the following questions:

(0:38) Because children with SM are not speaking, shouldn’t the emphasis be on helping them to speak, perhaps even offering incentives to speak?

(6:37) My son’s clinician felt strongly that if we allowed him to use a verbal intermediary or whisper buddy, we were enabling him...

(9:38) Since Selective Mutism is an anxiety disorder, shouldn’t lowering anxiety be enough to propel them into speech?

(14:25) When we think about “the bridge” and “the Whys of SM,” it makes sense that Selective Mutism is a social communication anxiety disorder. Do you feel that if others saw it this way, more individuals would overcome their mutism?

(18:23) Can you give some examples of how you would determine an individual’s beginning stage of communication?

(22:49) My 10-year-old child is truly stuck in nonverbal with kids and teachers, even kids he’s known for years. We’ve tried everything: rewards, even a trip to Disney. We are at a loss. We’ve seen five therapists and he seems to have only gotten more stuck. Any advice?

(30:37) My child progressed across the bridge at CommuniCamp (!), but now, a few weeks later, they are no longer in stage 3. How can I get them back to being verbal like they were at camp?

(35:19) My child has begun making animal sounds in social environments but he will not speak. How can I get him to use his words?

(41:39) My teenage daughter will communicate with others through written responses. She will even initiate with her teachers and peers through writing. However, she will not speak to them. What can I do to help transition her from written communication to verbal communication?

(48:10) My child is completely nonverbal and non-communicative in any setting outside of the home. He is very expressive and loud at home. What should I do to make him able to communicate effectively in other environments?

The discussion on Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum’s Social Communication Bridge® continues.

In Part 2, Dr. E and co-host Alex Collins discuss:

• How to ‘transition’ from nonverbal to verbal communication
• Key strategies used to ‘bridge’ a child or teen into speech, in the school environment.
• How to bridge up or down in social settings to reduce anxiety
• And much, much more!

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum continues her conversation with Board Certified Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist Vera Joffe Ph.D., P.A.. 

In PART 2, Dr. E and Dr. Joffe discuss:

• bilingual/multiculturalism
• being an immigrant
• social anxiety
• auditory processing
• and more!

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum welcomes Board Certified Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist Vera Joffe Ph.D., P.A. to the podcast.

Dr. E and Dr. Joffe chat about:

• The why's of Selective Mutism
• Factors that can lead to the development and maintenance of Selective Mutism, such as, speech and language, timidity, sensory processing, etc.
• Strategies and treatment recommendations

On this episode of Unspoken Words, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (‘Dr. E’) goes into detail about the philosophy and strategies that make up S-CAT®, her evidence-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® approach. Dr. E also unpacks the WHYs of Selective Mutism that are essential to understanding what is causing and maintaining the condition. This whole person approach respects an individual’s unique needs and their stage of social communication.

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In the very first episode of Unspoken Words, Dr. Shipon-Blum describes how she got to where she is today and why Selective Mutism (SM) is such a misunderstood diagnosis. She introduces herself, as well as, her cohost for this episode, Alex Collins, who is a former patient of the SMart Center and a current intern for Dr. E. Topics discussed in this episode include: how Dr. E personally views SM through her background as a physician and as a mother, the meaning behind the title "Unspoken Words," what topics can be expected for listeners of the podcast, and some basic information that she thinks everyone should know about Selective Mutism. She is so excited to be sharing her expertise with you! Welcome to Unspoken Words.

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