What is selective mutism?

Dr Elisa Shipon-Blum joins me in this episode to talk about communication, mutism and selective more!

Dr Elisa Shipon-Blum, DO is the President and Director of the Selective Mutism Anxiety and Related Disorders Treatment Center (SMart Center) and is a board certified physician who specializes in Selective Mutism.

Learn more about Dr Shipon-Blums work on her podcast, Unspoken Words and the SMart Center's CommuniCamp program.

Looking for intentional language scripts you can use with your toddler?

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November 6, 2025

Episode 288

Why Won't My Child Talk to Others? What is Selective Mutism with Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of Core4Parenting. A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the forthcoming book Talk to Them Early and Often, a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.

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