Every year there are at least 1,200 to 1,400 cases of SBS in the United States - the leading cause of all child abuse cases - and 60% of victims are male children. The average age is 3-8 months old, most cases occur in children under age two, although some victims may be up to 4 years old. Perpetrators are males in 65%-90% of cases, mostly in their early twenties, and are either the baby’s father or mother’s boyfriend; if a woman is responsible for the abuse, it is usually the babysitter or childcare provider rather than the mother. While the primary hospitalization of a shaken-baby is estimated to cost $75,000-$100,000 the lifetime costs of special care to survivors can cost up to $300,000 in the first 5 years following the assault. The cost in terms of human suffering and loss of life is staggering and without monetary estimate given the value of human life and the tragedy of this monstrous abuse of the most innocent and unprotected of our most valued resource - babies.

What is it about the anatomy of an infant that makes it so vulnerable? What is the ‘triad’ and is it always an ‘open & shut’ case for SBS? Why do infants cry, and how does peak-crying relate to incidence of SBS? As an early intervention provider making visits to the home, what signs suggest SBS? In which instance should a referral be made for respite or social work services to a family that is at risk for SBS?

Early intervention home-care providers are on the front-line of entry into homes where SBS may occur, and must know how to read the signs which might precipitate SBS, and how to stave off injury to the child by appropriate action prior to an incident of SBS. If SBS is suspected, know the signs and symptoms, and your obligation as a mandated reporter to alert the appropriate authorities.

Several states, including New York, Texas and Ohio, have passed legislation that require SBS training for child care providers and/or distribution of SBS prevention materials to parents of new babies. This primer is a MUST READ for all early intervention and pre-school therapists who service the professional home care needs of the infant, toddler, and child.

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This program is offered for 0.45 ASHA CEU's (Level: Various   Content: Related)

ASHA LEARNERS PLEASE NOTE: There are 2 purchase options above, EI Continuing Education and CEU. If you wish to earn ASHA CEUs for this course and you select the CEU option, your information including name, address, e mail and ASHA ID, will be sent to ASHA CE.  If you do not want your information sent to ASHA, please select the option for continuing education.

EITTOC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 8922. This distance learning-independent is offered at 0.45 CEUs, introductory, Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA or indicate AOTA approval of a certification or other professional recognition.

APPROVED BY THE ILLINOIS EARLY INTERVENTION TRAINING PROGRAM FOR EARLY INTERVENTION CREDENTIAL CREDIT for 3.0 Hours

Meets NY State (NYSOTA) Continuing Compliancy Requirements for continued Core Competency Hours (CCH) -

- Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) –

Disclosure: David C Saidoff PT - course developer/presenter - has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: he receives monetary compensation for the preparation of this course, in addition to a percentage of company sales, and has the following relevant non-financial relationships to disclose: EITTOC Board of Directors: volunteer member. Melissa Whelan, OTR - course developer/presenter - has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: she receives monetary compensation for the preparation of this course, in addition to a percentage of company sales, and has the following relevant non-financial relationships to disclose: EITTOC Board of Directors: volunteer member.  Kristen O’Leary, SLP, has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: she receives monetary compensation for the preparation of this course, in addition to a percentage of company sales, and has the following relevant non-financial relationships to disclose: EITTOC Board of Directors: volunteer member. Declaration: Approval of this course does not necessarily imply that any of the governing bodies (e.g., West Virginian Board of Physical Therapy, or other such governmental or NGO’s supports the views of the presenter or sponsor. Information provided should be used within the scope of practice. No relevant financial or non-financial relationships exists between EITTOC or the products discussed any course; no such relationship or endorsement exists for any products mentioned in any courses sponsored by EITTOC, or in any of the items (such as specific AED or Epinephrine injection product) or any testing instrument used to evaluate children; the above course is specific to said-topic, and may not be extrapolated to any other course or topic outside the scope of this course. Course instructor(s) have no other financial or non-financial remuneration - whether prior to or following course delivery; the above advertisement is made available to all physical therapy (and other) licensee on a non-discriminatory basis. Ascend has approved this course and may be contacted about any concerns. Information provided should be used within scope of practice. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures. The onus of responsibility for this course – granted contact hours by the AOTA – is for each OT professional to check with their State board of OT to see if this course meets licensure requirement for continuing education.