Why an individual develops Selective Mutism and why it persists
Most individuals with Selective Mutism (SM) have a genetic predisposition to anxiety. Whether that manifests itself as separation anxiety, excessive tantrums and crying, moodiness and inflexibility, difficulty sleeping or extreme shyness, severe anxiety is often present.
Individuals with SM often have severely inhibited temperaments, as well. Studies show that individuals with inhibited temperaments are more prone to anxiety than those without. As a result, symptoms of Selective Mutism are most prevalent in social settings; like birthday parties, school, large and family gatherings. The more people present, the more inhibited the individual becomes.
Additionally, approximately 30% of individuals with SM have subtle speech and language abnormalities – such as language delays. Our research shows that as children age and continue to remain mute, their ability to express themselves becomes increasingly compromised. This leads to an acquired expressive language disorder, primarily in narrative speech – like explaining what a TV show is about, or how school was that day. Individuals become inept in in the typical responding-and-initiating of a conversation, especially in an overwhelming social environment like school.
Some individuals with SM may have subtle learning disabilities, too. This includes auditory processing disorders. Many come from bilingual or multilingual families that have spent time in a foreign country while an individual was in their formative language development years (2-4-years old). These children are usually innately temperamentally inhibited but the additional stress and insecurity of having to learn another language can lead to increased anxiety levels and, in turn, mutism.
Elisa Shipon-Blum DO, is the President and Director of the Selective Mutism Anxiety and Related Disorders Treatment Center (SMart Center) located in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. She is the Founder and Director Emeritus of the Selective Mutism Association (SMA) and a Director of the Selective Mutism Research Institute (SMRI), a foundation established to study Dr. Shipon-Blum’s theories and treatment methodologies on Selective Mutism. In addition, Dr Shipon-Blum is Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology & Family Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a board certified physician who specializes in Selective Mutism.
Dr. Shipon-Blum practices in Jenkintown, PA, and has developed the evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment (S-CAT)® from her years studying and researching individuals with Selective Mutism. She consults worldwide with families, treating professionals, and educators, and has helped thousands of children from around the world overcome Selective Mutism. Based on her successful S-CAT® program, Dr. E also created CommuniCamp™, an intensive group treatment program for children with Selective Mutism, social anxiety, and extreme shyness.
Dr. Shipon-Blum lectures throughout the country on the topic of Selective Mutism, performs school evaluations and training for treating professionals, educators, and parents, and is considered one of the world’s leading experts in the treatment, research, and understanding of Selective Mutism. She has been a featured expert on national television programs such as 20/20, CNN, Inside Edition, and Good Morning America, as well as other local, national, and international television and radio broadcasts. In addition, she has been featured in TIME Magazine, People Magazine, and has interviewed with newspapers such as the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, San Diego Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Palm Beach Post.
Dr. Shipon-Blum is presently involved in multiple collaborative research projects with top researchers and clinicians. In addition to her research she has written numerous articles and books on Selective Mutism and anxiety including ‘Easing School Jitters for the Selectively Mute Child,’ ‘The Ideal Classroom Setting for the Selectively Mute Child,’ ‘Understanding Katie,’ ‘Supplement Treatment Guide Book to Understanding Katie‘, ‘Selective Mutism Summer Vacation & Back to School Guide‘ and ‘ Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety Disorder in School .’ She has also produced numerous DVDs on the topics of treatment and assessment of Selective Mutism, and the development of school accommodations and interventions for mute children.
Dr. Shipon-Blum (or Dr. E as her patients refer to her) prides herself on being ‘down to earth’ and ‘easy to speak to’, and resides with her family in the northeast suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Notably, she is also the mother of a child, Sophie, who suffered from and overcame Selective Mutism and is the inspiration for the work she does each day.
