EP58 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jody LeVos, exploring the science behind play-based learning and its powerful role in helping children with selective mutism overcome communication challenges.

In the episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jody LeVos discuss how different types of play—from structured therapy to free exploration—can be integrated into treatment to support emotional regulation and encourage speech development.

What Science Tells Us About Play and Anxiety

Episode 58 begins with Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. LeVos discussing how parents want immediate speech outcomes for children with selective mutism, but need to practice patience – as speaking is a symptom of social communication anxiety and not the other way around! 

Also in this segment, the two experts explore how play creates low-risk learning environments that build confidence and facilitate natural developmental progress.

How Play Can Encourage Progression of Communication in Children with Selective Mutism

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. LeVos continue their discussion as they go into the different types of play (rough and tumble, constructive, explorative, free, and guided play) and how each type helps children with selective mutism and autism. 

Dr. LeVos explains how her educational apps and products create low-risk, playful environments that encourage confident communication and help families find what works for their unique child.

The Intersection of Play and Therapy: How to Integrate Fun into Treatment

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. LeVos reach the middle of this podcast episode while discussing how Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum uses facilitated play activities like feather-blowing games to help children with selective mutism progress from sounds to words. 

This segment also covers building trust and safety first, then scaffolding communication skills through structured games.

Play Therapy vs Free Play: Which Works Best for Children with Selective Mutism?

In this segment, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. LeVos discuss how predictable structure and routine help anxious children feel safe and in control. 

The two experts explore guided play (adult-designed educational experiences) versus free play (child-initiated activities), emphasizing how both types support different learning outcomes, with games naturally teaching turn-taking and communication skills essential for social development.

The Different Types of Play

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. LeVos conclude their discussion by going into how COVID significantly impacted children’s social communication development.

The two experts explain how parents can facilitate social engagement by setting up structured environments, using joint tasks to reduce direct eye contact pressure, and teaching adults to guide children through play-based activities that build connections naturally.