Stacy Nielsen

Distribution Coordinator

801.447.9360 x106

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

Spring/Summer 2025

Click to View the Spring/Summer 2025 Newsletter in a Web Browser

Registration is OPEN!

2026 Early Bird Registration Prices (Prices go up by $75 after May 1, 2026)

*Will need a field of study/year and affiliation to register
**Will need to register together and pay on a single transaction

Registration rates include access to all keynote, breakout sessions and opening reception. The NCSBS will provide two breaks per day which includes coffee and snack items. Lunch is on your own.

Take advantage of our Early Bird pricing and register by May 1, 2026 to save $75.00.

Register for the conference by clicking this button: REGISTER NOW

Below are links to Justification Letter Templates in both Microsoft .docx and Adobe .pdf formats for those who need them.

Download the Justification Letter Template in .doc format Download the Justification Letter Template in .pdf format

Conference Loyalty Program

Don't forget that if you attended our 2022 International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome / Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) in Philadelphia and/or the 2024 conference in Salt Lake City you save up to 15% on your individual registration price. Our Conference Attendee Loyalty Program introduced at the Philadelphia conference rewards our frequent attendees and places attendees in three tiers*:

• Ally: Earn 10% off registration fees after attending one conference
• Supporter: Earn 15% off after two conferences attended
• Champion: Earn 20% off after three conferences attended

* Attendance credit began with the 2022 Philadelphia conference.

Email Catherine at  or call 801-447-9360 ext.112 if you have any questions.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.