Displaying items by tag: abusive head trauma

Misinformation Alert! Setting the Record Straight on Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), a form of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), is a serious and complex medical diagnosis, but lately it has been clouded by misinformation. Media stories, podcasts, and even documentaries have amplified misleading narratives that question long-standing science and threaten to undermine child protection efforts.

Let’s take a closer look at the facts behind the myths.

Myth #1: The medical community is divided on SBS/AHT.

One misleading narrative is that there has been a recent “shift” in the medical consensus regarding SBS/AHT. This assertion is false. A vast majority of medical professionals continue to recognize SBS/AHT as a valid diagnosis. In one study, 88% of physicians considered SBS valid and 93% validated AHT (Narang et al., 2016). 

Rather than shifting away from SBS/AHT as a valid diagnosis, reputable consensus shows a clear display of support. A coalition of respected organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Society for Pediatric Radiology, European Society of Paediatric Radiology, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, and several international pediatric associations has issued a joint statement reaffirming that there is no medical controversy regarding the existence of SBS/AHT (Choudhary et al., 2018).

The bottom line is the medical consensus is strong and clear.

Read more:

• Acceptance of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma as medical diagnoses
• Consensus statement on Abusive Head Trauma in infants and young children

Myth #2: SBS/AHT is based on outdated or ‘junk’ science.

This claim is both inaccurate and dangerous. The term “junk science” has increasingly appeared in legal discussions surrounding SBS/AHT, suggesting that the diagnosis lacks scientific validity. This is inaccurate. Our understanding of shaken baby syndrome is supported by a robust and continually updated body of scientific and clinical research. 

This research is clearly summarized in the new 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Abusive Head Trauma in Infants and Children: Technical Report, which reaffirms SBS/AHT as an evidence-based medical diagnosis. An SBS/AHT diagnosis is multidisciplinary. These experts evaluate clinical findings alongside the child’s medical history, reported injury circumstances, and investigative findings. The report also lists the severe outcomes associated with shaking injuries, including lifelong disabilities and death.

Another misconception is the science behind SBS/AHT has recently changed. Some critics claim doctors once relied only on the “triad” of finding – retinal hemorrhages, subdural hematoma, and encephalopathy. In reality modern diagnosis is far more comprehensive. It involves a multidisciplinary team often including child abuse pediatricians, ophthalmologists, neurologists, and radiologists who evaluate all medical findings alongside the child’s history, reported circumstances, and investigative evidence. An SBS/AHT diagnosis is the result of a rigorous and comprehensive assessment, not a single test or opinion.

Read more:

• Abusive Head Trauma in infants and children: Technical report

Myth #3: “Wrongful convictions prove SBS/AHT isn’t real.”

Some organizations and legal professionals cite exonerations in SBS/AHT cases as evidence of the diagnosis’ invalidity, however, these claims misrepresent the data. A 2021 study found that only 3% of SBS/AHT convictions were overturned, and just 1% of cases were overturned based on medical evidence (Narang et al., 2021). 

Read more:

• Overturned abusive head trauma and shaken baby syndrome convictions in the United States: Prevalence, legal basis, and medical evidence
• A Daubert analysis of Abusive Head Trauma/Shaken Baby Syndrome

Why This Matters

Misinformation spreads quickly, but facts save lives! Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma is a well-established, evidence-based diagnosis recognized by the vast majority of medical experts and U.S. courts.

When we focus on education, awareness, and prevention, we protect children and ensure that accurate, science-based information continues to guide parents, caregivers, and professionals everywhere.

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is honored to share the personal stories of those affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma. Please take a minute to watch these short video clips and learn from a few of the countless victims and their families that have been devastated by this preventable form of abuse.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Struggle with Lives Changed Forever in an Instant

Families of victims of SBS are in a lifelong struggle after their babies are abused. Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Devastates

SBS affects more children than Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SBS is a devastating form of child abuse that leaves those babies who survive the abuse with lifelong challenges. Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Battle Immediate Fear & Infinite Worry

Families of victims of SBS deal with the immediate fear that their baby could die... and if their baby miraculously survives, fear turns to worry about how do you care for them now? Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Fight for Justice They May Never See

Justice is often slow-moving or is never seen in many cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). Families of victims of SBS are left fighting for justice in the midst of the tragedy. Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Find Love and Meaning through Tragedy

In the midst of the pain, families of victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome get a glimpse of a life that lies ahead. A life that still burns full of meaning... a life full of love. Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Struggle with Lives Changed Forever in an Instant

Families of victims of SBS are in a lifelong struggle after their babies are abused. Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Devastates

SBS affects more children than Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SBS is a devastating form of child abuse that leaves those babies who survive the abuse with lifelong challenges. Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Battle Immediate Fear & Infinite Worry

Families of victims of SBS deal with the immediate fear that their baby could die... and if their baby miraculously survives, fear turns to worry about how do you care for them now? Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Fight for Justice They May Never See

Justice is often slow-moving or is never seen in many cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). Families of victims of SBS are left fighting for justice in the midst of the tragedy. Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Find Love and Meaning through Tragedy

In the midst of the pain, families of victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome get a glimpse of a life that lies ahead. A life that still burns full of meaning... a life full of love. Click the Image to Play Video

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Why Become a Rooted Monthly Giver?

When you join, you’re doing more than making a donation; you are helping to equip parents and caregivers nationwide with the skills and confidence to respond safely when babies won’t stop crying. Your support makes it possible for us to deliver expert-led education in hospitals, schools, clinics, and community centers. It also ensures that families affected by SBS/AHT receive the compassionate, trauma-informed guidance and resources they need to heal.

Monthly giving provides reliable funding, which helps the NCSBS plan ahead and expand our programs where they are needed most. Even a modest monthly contribution of $5 adds up to a powerful, long-term impact. And once your gift is set up, it runs automatically, allowing you to make a difference every day without lifting a finger.

Any Additional Benefits to Rooted Monthly Giving?

Absolutely. Here are a few of additional perks for our monthly givers:

• Special monthly social media posts across our channels thanking and listing the names of our monthly givers
• Rooted Monthly givers will be featured in our Giving Times Newsletter distributed to thousands of our donors and supporters
• Feature story for any Rooted Monthly giver who wishes to be share their story of why they became a monthly giver
• First access to special events and giveaways conducted by the NCSBS
• Complimentary Blu-ray of the documentary "like, share, comment & subscribe" featuring the story of Josh Sorrels, victim of shaken baby syndrome
• Complimentary book "Claire's Voice" written by Michelle Fishpaw, mother of Claire, victim of shaken baby syndrome, about their family's experience raising a survivor of SBS/AHT

To become a Rooted Monthly giver, simply put the amount you wish to donate on a monthly basis on our donation form and check the box "Make this donation Monthly" on the form and schedule the donation for at least one year (12 times).

Donate Now

Attention on Prevention podcast brings in guests to talk about the prevention of child and infant maltreatment as well as delve into other parenting issues. We'll bring in families of victims of abuse and victims themselves to discuss their stories, world experts in various medical fields to discuss current research and past experiences as well as other guests with legal and prevention backgrounds. Brought to you by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. You can find each month's episode here on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Twentieth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome / Abusive Head Trauma

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel - Nashville, TN

September 22, 23, and 24, 2026

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is pleased to announce our twentieth biennial conference will be in Nashville on September 22, 23 and 24, 2026. This three-day conference brings together leading physicians, neuroscientists, child protection specialists, and legal professionals to present the latest scientific research and evidence-based practices on SBS/AHT. As misinformation continues to spread in public discourse, this trusted forum provides clarity, truth, and collaboration among the world’s foremost authorities.

Participants will explore topics on diagnosis, prevention, and family support services—gaining valuable tools and insights to strengthen their practice and impact.

This milestone event promises to be an inspiring, informative, and unforgettable gathering—we can’t wait to see you there.

Return to this page and follow our social media channels for the latest updates on the conference. Click this link for information on the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.

Abstract Submission

Interested in presenting at the Twentieth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma? Join other world-renowned experts and share your latest research, policies, investigative techniques, legal expertise and prevention efforts focused on shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma.

The NCSBS is now accepting abstracts for workshop and poster presentations. The program planning committee is looking for abstracts to present from the following areas of expertise: 

• Latest medical diagnostic and treatment of SBS/AHT cases
• Investigative and legal procedures and techniques
• Evidence-based and creative SBS/AHT prevention initiatives and programs
• Support for families and rehabilitation for victims of SBS/AHT

All contact information must be included as well as a thorough biography. The abstract will need to be submitted as a separate document with a word minimum of 200 words and a maximum of 1000. The abstract file must be uploaded as a Microsoft Word or PDF document. Please note: presentations with commercial interest will not be accepted.

Accepted abstract presenters will be responsible for own travel and registration costs. Co-authors presenting must also register for the conference.

Please Read the Abstract Submission Requirements Document Before Submitting an Abstract
Abstract Submission Requirements

Abstracts Due February 20, 2026

Any questions can be directed to the NCSBS Conference Team at (801) 447-9360 or .

Submit Your Abstract

Presents The

Virtual Family Support Symposium

May 14, 2025

The Virtual Family Support Symposium will be held on a virtual format and will feature presentations addressing many of the issues that families of victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) face.

Registration is FREE!

Attendance for this event will be FREE to everyone who would like to participate thanks to the generosity of the Matty Eappen Foundation! Though attendance is free for all participants, registration is required in order to receive information regarding symposium updates, announcements, and Zoom instructions.

This symposium will not be offering any continuing education units (CEUs) and will program presentations that are relevant and valuable to families of victims of SBS/AHT. These presentations might include topics like processing grief, resources to navigate available resources at the state and federal level, and therapies that may be available for victims of SBS/AHT for example.

For questions about the symposium, please contact the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome:

Phone: (801) 447-9360 ext.105
Email:

Registration is Closed.

The NCSBS is accepting abstract submissions for workshop and poster presentations for our 2026 conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Join other world-renowned experts in sharing research for this year's program.The program planning committee is looking for abstract submissions for presentations in the following areas of expertise:

• Latest medical, diagnostic, and treatment of SBS/AHT cases
• Investigative and legal procedures and techniques
• Evidence-based SBS/AHT prevention initiatives and programs
• Support for families and rehabilitation for survivors of SBS/AHT

The submission form is now open and will be available through February 20, 2025. Submit your abstract at http://dontshake.org/submit-abstract

Current State-Specific Legislation

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is now hosting a section on our website that lists the current laws in every state of the United States of America related to Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT). Laws include any SBS/AHT education required to be given to families of new babies, SBS/AHT education required of childcare providers, SBS/AHT education required to be taught in schools, etc.

Click this button to find the current legislation related to SBS/AHT in your state.  Find SBS/AHT Legislation in Your State

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) Finalist for Community Impact Award

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) is honored to be a finalist for the Community Impact Award by the Davis Chamber of Commerce Utah. This year, we celebrate our 25th anniversary of serving our community through educating families about Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention. The NCSBS has educated more than 330,000 Utah families through our Period of PURPLE Crying program and trained thousands of childcare providers through our online and live Childcare Providers Intro to SBS/AHT course.

The award winner will be announced at the Annual Davis Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Banquet on September 25 at the Davis Conference Center. More info about the banquet at https://bit.ly/davischamberawards

Visit the Davis Chamber Banquet Site