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About Elisa Shipon-Blum DO

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) is the founder of the SMart Center and creator of the evidence-based S-CAT® treatment for Selective Mutism. She leads CommuniCamp™, directs the Selective Mutism Research Institute, and is the founder & Director Enetiris of the Selective Mutism Association (SMA). A global expert, Dr. E also hosts the Unspoken Words podcast.

Autism Is a Neurodevelopmental Difference, Not Just ‘Shyness’

2026-03-31T15:00:09-04:00March 20th, 2026|

By Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum 🧩 Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder When It Overlaps with Anxiety and Selective Mutism [...]

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PVC: Prepare, Visuals, Choices! A Parent’s Guide to Reducing Anxiety & Boosting Communication for Children with Selective Mutism

2026-03-31T15:03:05-04:00March 9th, 2026|

By Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum  For children with Selective Mutism (SM), social situations aren’t just uncomfortable— they can feel unpredictable, overwhelming, and [...]

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🌟 Big Shot Roles: Empowering Children and Teens with Selective Mutism 🌟

2026-03-31T15:08:45-04:00March 3rd, 2026|

By Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum & Dr. Jenna Supporting a child or teen with Selective Mutism (SM) requires more than encouraging them [...]

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When School Feels Impossible 🏫💔 Understanding School Refusal in Children with Selective Mutism

2026-03-31T15:11:07-04:00February 23rd, 2026|

By Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum & Dr. Jenna When School Refusal Is a Signal For many families, school refusal can feel sudden [...]

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What Did You Do in School Today? 🤔 Why Many Kids Say “I Don’t Know” and How Parents Can Reframe the Question

2026-02-12T09:31:11-05:00February 12th, 2026|

By Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum  If you are the parent of a child or teen with Selective Mutism, this exchange may feel very familiar:  [...]

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The Selective Mutism Interview Goal/Game©: A Strategic Tool in Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®)

2026-02-04T11:57:24-05:00February 4th, 2026|

By Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum  Helping children with Selective Mutism (SM) learn how to respond and initiate conversation is one of the [...]

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🌟 The Power of Warm-Up Time: Why Children and Teens with Selective Mutism Need Space Before They Communicate

2026-01-27T15:26:52-05:00January 27th, 2026|

By Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum & Dr. Jenna Blum When we think about communication, we often imagine words flowing easily in conversation. [...]

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Don’t Wait—FACILITATE: Helping Students with Selective Mutism Build Comfort, Connection, and Communication

2026-01-12T12:44:36-05:00January 12th, 2026|

By Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum & Dr. Jenna Blum When supporting a student with Selective Mutism (SM) or Social Communication Anxiety, one [...]

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