Early Childhood Intervention
This website is a place for families who are facing
challenges pertaining to their child's development and
growth.
It is a place to find answers and practical
suggestions. That's what Early Intervention Support is all
about.
Whether a family has a child with a challenging behavior,
a disability or developmental issue, childhood is short - it
should be savored and enjoyed.
Learn More:
Ask a Therapist
We understand developmental milestones and the challenges
of Special Needs children. We spend a great deal of time
with families understanding the inner workings of childhood
routines and interactions. Ask us about your child today!
Ask a Therapist
Shaken Baby Syndrome
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Shaken Baby Syndrome is a type of inflicted traumatic brain
injury that happens when a baby is violently shaken.
A baby has weak neck muscles and a large, heavy head. Shaking makes the
fragile brain bounce back and forth inside the skull and causes bruising,
swelling, and bleeding, which can lead to permanent, severe brain damage or
death.
The characteristic injuries of shaken baby syndrome are subdural
hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain), retinal hemorrhages (bleeding in the
retina), damage to the spinal cord and neck, and fractures of the ribs and
bones. These injuries may not be immediately noticeable.
Shaken Baby Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms of shaken baby syndrome include extreme irritability,
lethargy, poor feeding, breathing problems, convulsions, vomiting, and pale
or bluish skin.
Shaken baby injuries usually occur in children younger than 2 years old,
but may be seen in children up to the age of 5.
Shaken Baby Syndrome Treatment
Emergency treatment for a baby who has been shaken usually includes
life-sustaining measures such as respiratory support and surgery to stop
internal bleeding and bleeding in the brain.
Doctors may use brain scans, such as MRI and CT, to make a more definite
diagnosis.
Prognosis of Shaken Baby Syndrome
In comparison with accidental traumatic brain injury in infants, shaken
baby injuries have a much worse prognosis. Damage to the retina of the eye
can cause blindness. The majority of infants who survive severe shaking will
have some form of neurological or mental disability, such as cerebral palsy
or mental retardation, which may not be fully apparent before 6 years of
age.
Children with shaken baby syndrome may require lifelong medical care.
Where Can I Get More Information?
The Arc of the United States
1010 Wayne Avenue
Suite 650
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tel: 301-565-3842
Fax: 301-565-3843 or -5342
E-mail Info@thearc.org
Website: www.thearc.org
Think First Foundation [National Injury Prevention Program]
5550 Meadowbrook Drive
Suite 110
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Tel: 847-290-8600
Tel: 800-THINK-56 (844-6556)
Fax: 847-290-9005
E-mail thinkfirst@thinkfirst.org
Website: www.thinkfirst.org
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Learn More About Early Intervention
Therapy Options
Thankfully, there are many ways to deal with childhood developmental
delays and behaviors. These include in-home services, outpatient (you take
your child to a clinic), inpatient (following injury or surgery) and school
based services. Which type of therapy should you choose?
Visit our Therapy Options
area to learn more.
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