Episode 78 of the Unspoken Words podcast features Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum exploring the power of preparation — why structured action plans reduce anxiety and unlock communication for children, teens, and adults with Selective Mutism.
The episode explores why uncertainty fuels anxiety to the point of shutdown — how processing challenges, perfectionism, and hidden factors like ADHD make the unknown overwhelming. Through real-world examples, including a twelve-year-old thrilled about a party all week who goes silent on arrival, they show why "just be brave and talk" misses what these individuals need, and how preparation builds the comfort, connection, and confidence that fuel communication.
The heart of the episode turns to practical application: building a who-what-where action plan, mapping who will be there and what each person might ask, and tailoring responses across the Social Communication Bridge®. They cover the SM triangle, verbal intermediary, copy-back and sandwich questions, roadmapping events from barbecues to airport security, and structuring activities to start with confidence.
The episode closes on a reminder: when children know what, when, and where, anxiety lowers and communication follows.
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Chapters:
(03:44) Why Uncertainty Fuels Anxiety and Makes Communication Shut Down
(13:30) What an Action Plan Actually Is—Mapping Who, What, Where, and the Questions
(17:56) Why Tailoring Questions to Each Person Keeps Kids From Freezing
(25:38) How Structuring Activities, Roadmaps, and Travel Builds Real Confidence
(34:47) How to Make Action Plans an Everyday Routine—and Review What Worked
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For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org
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