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)