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Misinformation Alert!

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Myth #2: SBS/AHT is based on outdated or ‘junk’ science.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

Like, Share, Comment, & Subscribe

Like, Share, Comment, & Subscribe Available on YouTube

We are thrilled to share that the film Like, Share, Comment, & Subscribe: A story about Josh Sorrels AKA “Hollywood Eagle” is available for watch on YouTube. This powerful feature documentary follows Josh Sorrels, a YouTube food reviewer and courageous survivor of shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma. His journey is one of resilience, creativity, and finding joy in community.

Documentary Synopsis: At nearly 40 years old, Josh seeks answers to a violent attack he suffered as a one-year-old. Facing an uncomfortable past, he travels alone to the International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome to find answers and meet other survivors before confronting his own family for a reason to this life-altering act of violence, which forever changed all of their lives.

Josh and Chris's Story

Documentary filmmaker Chris Baier was working in Kroger’s marketing department when Josh Sorrels, a YouTube food reviewer, caught his eye. Interested in Josh’s channel and engaged by the Youtuber’s previous reviews of Kroger products, Chris reached out to Josh and sent him several new Kroger products to try out. From this initial collaboration, Chris became curious, not only about Josh’s channel, but his story.

While going through the hundreds of videos Josh had made, Chris came across one particular video that caught his attention. In the Q&A-style video, one of Josh’s followers had asked him, “Do you have Asperger Syndrome?” Josh told his followers that he did not have autism, but that when he was an infant he was “shook to the point where [his] brain had loosened from [his] skull.” Josh described the physical and mental challenges that he faces due to the injuries he suffered saying, “I’ve never really looked into what I have, but I’ve been wanting to.” That quest for answers led Josh and Chris on a journey that would change both of their lives.

While Chris was on a film shoot for Kroger in Salt Lake City, he called the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome office to see if he could come down and talk to someone to find out more about shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma (SBS/AHT). What he thought was going to be a short stop turned into an hours-long discussion and video interview with our then Information and Research Specialist, Marisa McPeck-Stringham.

During that time, Marisa expressed how important Josh’s channel was to survivors of SBS/AHT. Josh, AKA YouTube’s “Hollywood Eagle,” was an inspiration to many survivors of SBS/AHT, showing them that they could overcome their own obstacles and contribute in ways they may not have thought were possible.

After seeing Marisa’s interview with Chris, Josh took this new role to heart and started including messages of hope and encouragement to his followers. Not knowing there was a community of other survivors of SBS/AHT, Josh felt compelled to find out more about his place in this world.

In 2018, The NCSBS and the Matty Eappen Foundation granted Josh a scholarship to attend the International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma in Orlando, Florida and that experience would impact Josh in a way that would change his life’s trajectory. During the conference’s Parent Networking Meeting, he found the courage to share his story of suffering and isolation through a speech he had been preparing and practicing for weeks. After thanking everyone for the time to let him speak, Josh was met with applause and a standing ovation that would last minutes as the families in attendance welcomed Josh to their families with open arms.

After the conference, his quest to find out the truth led to candid conversations with his family about the abuse he suffered, and began a process of healing and closure that he and his family had long needed. Chris filmed Josh’s story throughout the entire process, and the nearly complete documentary debuted at our 2022 Philadelphia International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma, where Josh, Chris, and Josh’s brother Carl all attended the debut and participated in a Q&A session for the audience.

For Chris, the Philadelphia conference made for a perfect ending to the film he'd poured years of effort into making. And for Josh, Philadelphia was a culminating moment of closure on a journey that lasted nearly a decade and brought him out of isolation and uncertainty, and into hope, understanding, and community.

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is honored to have played a part in Josh's remarkable journey of discovery, healing, and connection. His story continues to inspire, and we are proud to have supported him along the way.

Letter from Executive Director

from Executive Director, Danielle Vázquez

Following the heartfelt introduction from our new Development Director, I want to extend my own warm welcome to Cathy on behalf of our entire team. We are thrilled to have such passion and experience joining our mission to prevent shaken baby syndrome and improve the wellbeing of infants and families. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow our impact and deepen our connection with supporters like you.

As we celebrate 25 years of advocacy, education, and prevention, we are deeply reminded that we simply could not have come this far without your support. Every milestone we’ve reached has been made possible by donors like you - your commitment fuels our work and gives hope to the families we serve.

If you’re able, please consider making a gift today to help us continue this life-saving work for the next 25 years and beyond.

With gratitude,

Danielle Vázquez
Executive Director
National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

Letter from Catherine Green, Director of Development

A Personal "Hello"from Catherine Green

NCSBS New Director of Development

It’s been four months since I joined the incredible team at the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome as Director of Development, and I have truly found my home. The passion and dedication of this team are unlike anything I have encountered in my decades of nonprofit work. My background spans child abuse prevention, social services, the arts, and public health. What ties all of that together for me is a deep commitment to making the world a kinder, safer place. At NCSBS, I focus on building partnerships and securing funding to ensure our prevention programs reach more families, both locally and globally.

What struck me most when I arrived was the warmth of the staff. Seeing holiday cards from survivors and families of SBS/AHT still displayed in the breakroom months later, demonstrated to me early on how this organization clearly leads with heart. And our healthcare partners? They’re on the front lines, delivering critical education to parents and caregivers before they even leave the hospital. Through our Period of PURPLE Crying® program, I now help families navigate those challenging moments with evidence-based tools and support that truly make a difference, even for my own family.

Being here has also brought back vivid memories of my early days as a new mom, those moments of asking, “Why won’t my baby stop crying?” And this year, I even became a first-time grandma! That full-circle moment has made my work here even more meaningful.

I look forward to getting to know more of you—our friends, partners, and supporters—whether it’s over the phone, a cup of tea, or lunch. Thank you for walking this path with us.

Warmly,

Catherine Green
Director of Development | National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

NCSBS Celebratory Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Farmington, UT — On the morning of April 15, 2025, the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) proudly marked its 25th Anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its headquarters in Farmington. The event was not only a milestone but also a renewed commitment to preventing infant abuse through education, awareness, and community partnership.

Honoring the Past, Looking to the Future
It was a picture-perfect spring day as friends, partners, and staff gathered in front of the NCSBS office. The entrance was lined with colorful banners and a striking large metallic gold numeral “25” balloon to mark the occasion. Guests mingled over a festive spread of fresh fruit, a charcuterie board, and cupcakes topped with lit candles.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt speech from Farmington Mayor Brett Anderson, who emphasized the critical role prevention organizations play in protecting families. He spoke about the need for continued education and support to ensure that caregivers have the tools to cope during difficult moments—before harm can occur.

NCSBS Board Chair Bryce Froerer shared a brief reflection on the organization’s history, expressing appreciation for the board of directors and their dedication to the mission over the years. He then introduced board member Emily Bodily, who courageously shared her personal story of losing her infant son to SBS/AHT at the hands of her ex-husband. She spoke about the compassionate support she received from NCSBS and how it helped her find purpose and healing through advocacy.

To close the ceremony, Executive Director Danielle Vazquez and representatives from the Davis Chamber of Commerce, stepped forward with the ceremonial scissors. As Vazquez made the final cut, cheers rang out from the crowd, celebrating both the past 25 years of impact and the bright future ahead.

Watch the KSL News story by clicking the play button on the video.

Anniversary Gala Success

25th Anniversary Gala Brings an Outpouring of Love and Support for NCSBS

In the words of NCSBS Executive Director, Danielle Vazquez, “Our 25th Anniversary Gala was a resounding success!” The celebration took place at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah, where we welcomed 150 supporters, board members, staff, and volunteers—all champions of the NCSBS mission. “We raised a significant sum to support our programs, and the evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, inspiring presentations, and joyful connections. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and generosity of our community, and we look forward to celebrating 25 more years of shaken baby/abusive head trauma prevention impact together,” said Vazquez.

Planning for the gala was an all-hands-on-deck effort from our team. We chose to have the event in April in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. With the date set, preparation began and involved coordinating the details for the venue, selecting live musicians, creating the center piece decorations, and spreading the word on social media.

One of our standout steps was to create a timeline of the NCSBS’ history and accomplishments to be presented at the event. Executive Director Vazquez connected with our founder and former Executive Director, Marilyn Barr, and began diving into archives to recount stories, milestones, and key events that have shaped the organization over the past quarter-century. After 25 years of service, the NCSBS has stood the test of time, and was established before some of our staff were even born! At the 25th Anniversary Gala, we reflected with pride on the mission-driven progress we have made.

The gala evening began with a welcome address by Board Chair Bryce Froerer, JD, who thanked the NCSBS staff: “Your dedication drives everything we do.” He recognized both current and former board members for their leadership and paid tribute to the families of victims and survivors saying, “You are at the heart of our work.” He also acknowledged our many supporters who couldn’t attend due to distance and expressed gratitude to the generous sponsors who helped make the event possible.

Executive Director, Danielle Vazquez, who has led the NCSBS since 2022 with a tenure spanning 18 years, then took the stage for a toast: “Here’s to the children and families we’ve served, to the survivors and the stories that inspire us, to the tireless dedication of our staff, board, and supporters, and to a future where every baby is safe and every caregiver is supported. To 25 years, and to the next 25.”

Next, we had the opportunity to share the timeline of the NCSBS’ history and accomplishments through a presentation produced by the NCSBS marketing team, “A Look Back at 25 Years of impact.” It was a powerful retrospective of our work, highlighting national and international reach over the past twenty-five years through infographics, data, and milestones. The presentation emphasized lifesaving educational and prevention programs and featured collaborations with hospitals, healthcare providers, and community organizations.

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the presentation came from the families of victims, survivors, and healthcare professionals who advocate for SBS/AHT prevention. In a video put together by the NCSBS marketing team, our longtime friends and partners in prevention answered the question: “What does the NCSBS’s 25th anniversary mean to you?”

“Without your sensitivity, compassion, and guidance early on, we would not have survived.”

“You helped me share my story and supported my undergraduate research as a survivor of SBS.”

“I’ve made priceless connections and found the courage to share my experience in hopes of preventing this abuse from happening to another child.”

“NCSBS changed the trajectory for children who’ve been shaken—and became a source of strength for me.”

“You gave me a way to turn pain into purpose.”

The responses struck a chord with attendees, many of whom were visibly moved by the stories and the work accomplished over the past 25 years. It served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, reinforcing just how far-reaching and necessary the mission of NCSBS remains. (Watch the video in the YouTube player)

“Looking ahead to the next chapter, we acknowledge the work still to be done,” said Vazquez. “We dream of a world where no child is harmed this way again, and where every caregiver is equipped with the resources, education, and compassion they need to thrive.”

THANK YOU to the following businesses and individuals whose generosity made this event possible

25th Anniversary Gala GOLD Sponsors

25th Anniversary Gala Silver Sponsors

25th Anniversary Gala Bronze Sponsors

Paddle Raise Success

A Wave of Generosity: Paddle Raise Success

One of the most exciting moments of the evening came during our “Paddle Raise” fundraising moment, led by Executive Director Danielle Vazquez. She set the tone with a heartfelt message: “We’ve come far, but we’re not done. The next 25 years start now, with all of us, right here, tonight.”

The first pledge request was for a $25 donation. $25 provides training to childcare providers, ensuring they receive crucial tools and resources to best care for a crying baby in a safe environment. Each table joined in the fun, with a little healthy competition fueling the spirit ofgiving. Laughter, applause, and a shared sense of purpose filled the room.

Another pledge level was a $100 donation. This amount would support prevention education for a high school child development program indefinitely. When the $100 pledge amount was put forward, we continued to see contributions throughout the room.

Lastly, Executive Director Vazquez challenged the guests with a $500 pledge. $500 would support the delivery of the Period of PURPLE Crying program to all families of a new baby in a rural hospital for a year. In an incredible show of support, several individuals pledged the maximum amount.

At every level, the Paddle Raise resulted in an inspiring outpouring of generosity from our community. Together, guests raised $5,455 to help sustain and grow our programming, ensuring families and caregivers continue to have access to tools, resources, and support when they need it most.

This moment was a powerful reminder: when we come together, we can do big things.