Unspoken Words, a Selective Mutism podcast by the SMart Center

01/29/2026

Episode 70 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed., from , discussing detecting Selective Mutism early and building the foundation for successful intervention through intentional language and collaborative support.

In this clip, Cara Tyrrell introduces the framework of “four ages”—chronological, social-emotional, physical, and cognitive—to help parents understand why their intelligent children struggle in social situations.

She emphasizes that post-Covid, kids increasingly have massive gaps between their cognitive abilities and emotional development, and that these developmental mismatches aren’t deficits but differences in how children are processing and developing at their own pace.

Rather than identifying as “not a social kid,” children need to understand that social-emotional skills can be learned and grown into at their developmental level.

Subscribe on Apple or Spotify. New episodes released every other Monday at 6am ET.

Any questions on the content covered in the episode? Leave a comment below or visit the link in our bio and hit ‘Ask Dr. E’ and we will answer them!

12/01/2025

🚨 NOW LIVE!🚨 EP66: How Shining Star Leo Overcame Selective Mutism.

EP66 of the Unspoken Words podcast 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.

In this episode, we meet former SMart Center patient Leo.

Over the course of the 37-minute episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Leo’s mom, Misty, discuss how her family found the right treatment approach for Leo, concrete examples of Leo’s expanded communication, and advice for families beginning this journey, and more.

❓Any questions on the content covered in the episode? Leave a comment below or visit the link in our bio and hit ‘Ask Dr. E’ and we will answer them!

11/03/2025

❓NOW LIVE! ❓ EP64: Ask Dr. E

EP64 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 discuss the upcoming halloween holiday.

In this episode, Dr. E () answers five essential questions about selective mutism; including how to distinguish selective mutism from extreme shyness, recognizing behavioral indicators across different settings, understanding the diagnostic process, common mistakes to avoid when helping children with SM, and knowing when to seek professional help.

❓Any questions on the content covered in the episode? Leave a comment below or visit the link in our bio and hit ‘Ask Dr. E’ and we will answer them!

10/29/2025

“Are you doing chocolate or vanilla?”

EP63 features a discussion between Dr Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum on the upcoming halloween holiday.

They talk through practical strategies for helping children with Selective Mutism navigate Halloween activities successfully, how to make Halloween fun rather than pressure-filled, ways to tailor experiences to each child’s comfort level and developmental stage, and more.

❓Any questions on the content covered in the episode? Leave a comment below or visit the link in our bio and hit ‘Ask Dr. E’ and we will answer them!

10/09/2025

11/10/2024

We just wrapped another live chat recording with parents at this month’s on the upcoming holiday season!

Thank you Laurie, Fernanda and Tesia for sharing your unique experiences with us.