EP49 features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum and Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, on Sensory Challenges and Selective Mutism.
In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. B discuss the relationship between Selective Mutism & Sensory Processing Disorder, Signs Your Child May Have Sensory Issues, Tips to Help your Child with Sensory Issues and more.
SELECTIVE MUTISM & SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER
Dr. E and Dr. B begin their discussion with treating Selective Mutism, emphasizing that mutism is a symptom, not the core issue.
They focus on addressing anxiety and sensory processing challenges by making children feel safe, lowering stimuli, and fostering communication-friendly environments.
This segment also explores strategies like quieter spaces and recognizing how sensory sensitivities contribute to anxiety and social difficulties.
SENSORY CHALLENGES: SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Bethany Bilodeau shift their discussion to sensory challenges and Selective Mutism in school and at home. Signs include reluctance in activities, anxiety-driven behaviors, and physical discomfort.
They highlight key observations for teachers and parents, such as a child’s position in the classroom or physical demeanor. Engaging children in calming activities, especially involving water, helps regulation.
In this segment, Dr. E and Dr. B also cover how children may shift from shutdown to oppositional at home due to sensory overload. Lastly, it touches on the ‘QUAD’—sleeping, eating, toileting, and behavior—stressing the need for structure, hydration, and parental understanding.
SENSORY ISSUES: TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD
Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Bethany Bilodeau continue their discussion by addressing how to manage sensory and eating issues in anxious children. They advise parents to check for food sensitivities, choose complex carbs and proteins over sugar, and consider texture preferences.
Dr. E and Dr. B differentiate behaviors from disorders like ODD and Selective Mutism, linking them to dysregulation. The segment emphasizes open communication, mental rehearsals, and validating children’s experiences while recognizing societal and self-imposed pressures.
Impact of Sensory Overload on Communication
Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Bethany Bilodeau also discuss how sensory overload affects individuals with social communication disorders. Sensory overload can impair communication by stunting interoceptive senses, causing shame, and leading to communication shutdowns.
The two experts emphasize the importance of customized interventions and the facilitation role of parents and educators to aid social engagement and communication.
Dr. E and Dr. B also discuss strategies for self-regulation in this segment. They touch on simple techniques like pressure on the stomach, humming, and holding frozen items which can help relax the body.
They wrap up the segment by suggesting gradual progression to more complex strategies like meditation and talk therapy.
WHAT CAN TRIGGER SENSORY OVERLOAD IN HIGHLY SENSITIVE CHILDREN?
Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Bethany Bilodeau wrap up their conversation by offering help to parents and educators supporting children with sensory challenges. They do this by identifying triggers, using behavior response sheets, and teaching self-regulation.
Dr. E and Dr B stress that the goal is to build confident social communicators.
Key strategies include ensuring safety, adjusting social interactions, and easing transitions, like arriving early to events
