Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma Training

This course is available 24/7, allowing you to read or listen at your convenience. Complete the course and take a short quiz to receive your certificate immediately. Enjoy one full year of access to the materials.

  • 1.5 CE hours
  • NBCC Approved
  • NAADAC Approved
  • ASWB ACE Approved
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Mental Health CE Approved by ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC & More

Accepted by most state boards and reportable through CEBroker. Check Board Approvals for details.

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Course curriculum

1.5 CE Hours- Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma Training

    1. About the Course

    2. Copyright Notice for Therapy Trainings™

    1. Definition of Pediatric Abuse Head Trauma

    2. Terminology According to KRS 620.020

    3. Symptoms of Head Trauma

    4. Consequences of Head Trauma

    5. Quiz 1

    6. References

    1. Anatomy- and Physiology-Related Risk Factors

    2. Household Risk Factors and Perpetrator Characteristics

    3. Child Risk Factors

    4. Quiz 2

    5. References

    1. Introduction

    2. Developmental Patterns of Injury

    3. Assessment Questions

    4. Differential Diagnoses

    5. References

    1. Prevention

    2. Treatment

    3. Quiz 3

    4. References

    1. Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect

    2. Standards for Reporting

    3. Making a Report

    4. References

About this course

  • $25.00
  • 28 lessons

Therapy Trainings™ Presents

1.5 CE Hours of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma Training

This text-based course was developed in 2023 for mental health professionals. This course trains professionals, including social workers, to recognize and prevent Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (shaken baby syndrome) as mandated by Kentucky legislation.



Target audience: mental health professionals

Content Level: beginning to expert


Course Overview:

Pursuant to legislation passed in the 2010 Kentucky General Assembly, training on the recognition and prevention of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (aka shaken baby syndrome) is mandated for many professionals including certified and licensed social workers. The training is intended to assist in preventing Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma by providing information on risk factors, diagnostic indicators, and strategies for soothing a crying infant. Additionally, attendees will learn strategies for working with families in various capacities as a tool for the prevention of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma. Geared for professionals at the basic, intermediate, advanced, and clinical levels, this session will allow attendees to be in compliance with the mandated education.


Course Objectives: 

In this course, you will learn to: 

  • Understand the background of pediatric abuse head trauma

  • Identify the risk factors for abusive head trauma

  • Distinguish the difference between accidental and abusive head trauma

  • Identify the prevention measures and treatment for pediatric abuse head trauma

  • Report child abuse and neglect in Kentucky


About the author

Matt Grammer, LPCC-S is the founder of Therapy Trainings™, Kentucky Counseling Center®, and Counseling Now®. He has over a decade of experience as a clinician, private practice operator, and consultant. He holds dual Masters degrees in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. KY LPCC-S #164069


Consulting Team

Social Work Consultant is Alicia Trager, LCSW

Marriage and Family Therapy Consultant is Matt White, MFT

Psychology consultant is Brett Donnelly, Psy D. 


Course completion & CE info

Course completion requirements: To earn CE credit, professionals must purchase the course, read/listen to the presentation, and complete the posttest (with a passing score of 80%) and course evaluation. Posttests may be retaken as many times as you need. Certificates of completion will be emailed immediately after course completion and can be accessed from your account anytime.



This course has been approved by Therapy Trainings™, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 1.5 CE hours. NAADAC provider #270493. Therapy Trainings™ is responsible for all aspects of its programming.


Therapy Trainings™ has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7439. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Therapy Trainings™ is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.


Therapy Trainings™, #1945, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 12/6/2024-12/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 continuing education credits.


State Specific Board Approvals:

Thanks to our national and state accreditations, all of our CE courses are approved by the boards listed below—provided the content is relevant to your profession or unless otherwise noted in the course description.

We regularly monitor state board requirements, but for the most up-to-date and accurate information, please refer to your licensing board’s official website.

The list below reflects the boards that currently recognize our CE credits based on existing state regulations.


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System Requirements

Computer or mobile device with an internet connection.


For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please email [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions
You'll access all courses from your student dashboard in the menu after purchasing the unlimited subscription.
We have state and national approvals from NBCC, ASWB ACE, NAADAC, KY LPC, MFT, and SW Boards.
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We're here for you by email and look forward to helping you. Please contact us at [email protected]. Therapy Trainings™ takes pride in making students happy.

Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma Training: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Understanding Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: Essential Training for Modern Healthcare Providers 

Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), formerly known as Shaken Baby Syndrome, represents one of the most severe forms of child abuse encountered in medical practice. For healthcare professionals seeking to expand their expertise through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy training, understanding and identifying AHT is crucial for providing optimal care and preventing devastating outcomes. 

Definition and Medical Significance 

Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) encompasses a spectrum of injuries inflicted on infants and young children through violent shaking, impact, or a combination of both. This form of non-accidental trauma typically occurs when a frustrated caregiver violently shakes a child, often in response to inconsolable crying. The medical significance of AHT cannot be overstated – it is one of the leading causes of death and disability in infants and young children due to physical abuse. 

Causes and Risk Factors 

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of AHT: 

Immediate Triggers: 

● Prolonged, inconsolable infant crying 

● Caregiver frustration and stress 

● Lack of understanding about infant behavior 

● Sleep deprivation 

● Unrealistic expectations about child development 

Environmental Risk Factors: 

● Social isolation

● Economic stress 

● Domestic violence 

● Substance abuse 

● Mental health challenges 

● Limited parenting knowledge or experience 

● Young parental age 

● Military deployment of a parent 

● Previous history of child abuse 

Mechanism of Injury 

The unique anatomy of infants makes them particularly vulnerable to AHT: 

● Proportionally large head size 

● Weak neck muscles 

● High water content in the brain 

● Incomplete myelination 

● Thin skull bones 

● Large subarachnoid spaces 

When a baby is shaken, several damaging processes occur simultaneously: 

1. Acceleration-deceleration forces cause the brain to move within the skull

 2. Rotational forces lead to shearing of blood vessels and nerve fibers 

3. Impact against hard surfaces compounds the damage 

4. Cervical spine injury may occur due to neck hyperextension 

Comprehensive Symptom Profile 

Immediate Symptoms: 

● Altered consciousness 

● Seizures 

● Lethargy 

● Poor feeding 

● Vomiting 

● Irritability 

● Temperature instability 

● Breathing irregularities 

● Cardiac abnormalities 

Physical Findings: 

● Retinal hemorrhages (present in up to 85% of cases)

● Bruising or marks on the trunk, arms, or legs 

● Grip marks 

● Rib fractures 

● Long bone fractures 

● Skull fractures 

● Scalp injuries 

Neurological Manifestations: 

● Increased intracranial pressure 

● Subdural hemorrhages 

● Cerebral edema 

● Hydrocephalus 

● Diffuse axonal injury 

● Parenchymal lacerations 

The Critical Role of Professional Training 

Healthcare providers must receive comprehensive training to effectively identify, assess, and respond to cases of suspected AHT. This specialized knowledge enables professionals to: 

● Recognize subtle signs and symptoms that might otherwise be overlooked 

● Understand the biomechanics of injury patterns 


● Implement evidence-based assessment protocols 


● Document findings accurately for medical and legal purposes 


● Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams for optimal patient care 


● Provide appropriate support and resources to families 

Case Studies: Learning from Real-World Scenarios Case Study 1: Early Recognition Saves Lives 

A 6-month-old infant presented to the emergency department with irritability and vomiting. The initial assessment seemed consistent with viral illness, but the treating physician's AHT training prompted a more thorough evaluation. Detailed examination revealed subtle retinal hemorrhages and a small subdural hematoma, leading to early intervention and improved outcomes. 

Case Study 2: The Importance of Systematic Assessment 

An 18-month-old toddler was brought to urgent care with a reported fall from a bed. The healthcare provider's training in AHT recognition identified inconsistencies between the reported

mechanism of injury and the observed injuries, leading to appropriate protective interventions and comprehensive medical care. 

Practical Applications in Clinical Settings 

Understanding AHT has numerous practical applications across healthcare settings: 

Emergency Department Protocols 

● Standardized screening procedures 

● Evidence-based assessment tools 

● Clear documentation guidelines 

● Coordinated response protocols 

Primary Care Implementation 

● Regular developmental screening 

● Parent education and prevention strategies 

● Risk factor identification 

● Long-term follow-up care 

Rehabilitation Settings 

● Specialized treatment approaches 

● Family-centered care models 

● Progress monitoring tools 

● Interdisciplinary collaboration strategies 

Current Research and Evidence-Based Practices Recent advances in AHT research have enhanced our understanding of: 

● Biomechanical factors contributing to injury 

● Neurological impact and recovery patterns 

● Best practices for diagnosis and treatment 

● Prevention strategies and their effectiveness 

● Long-term outcomes and prognostic indicators 

The Impact of Professional Training on Patient Outcomes 

Research demonstrates that healthcare providers who receive specialized training in AHT recognition and response show:

● Increased confidence in identifying suspicious injuries 

● Better documentation practices 

● More effective communication with multidisciplinary teams 

● Improved patient outcomes through early intervention 

● Enhanced ability to support families through crisis 

Prevention Strategies and Community Impact Effective AHT training enables healthcare providers to: 

● Implement evidence-based prevention programs 

● Educate caregivers about coping strategies 

● Recognize risk factors early 

● Connect families with community resources 

● Contribute to public health initiatives 

Advanced Training Opportunities Through TherapyTrainings 

TherapyTrainings offers comprehensive Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma training designed specifically for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge base. 

Why Choose Our Training Program? 

1. Evidence-Based Curriculum Our program integrates the latest research and best practices in AHT recognition, assessment, and intervention. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current medical understanding and treatment approaches. 

2. Comprehensive Learning Experience The training provides in-depth coverage of essential topics, including: 

● Detailed anatomy and pathophysiology 

● Advanced diagnostic techniques 

● Current treatment protocols 

● Documentation requirements 

● Legal considerations 

● Prevention strategies 

3. Practical Skill Development Participants gain hands-on experience through: 

● Case-based learning scenarios 

● Interactive assessment modules 

● Documentation practice 

● Decision-making exercises 

● Protocol implementation training 

4. Professional Certification Upon completion, participants receive:

● Professional certification in AHT recognition and response 

● Continuing education credits 

● Access to ongoing professional development resources 

● Membership in a professional learning community 

5. Flexible Learning Format Our training program offers: 

● Self-paced learning modules 

● Comprehensive study materials 

● Interactive learning tools 

● Regular knowledge assessments 

● Certificate of completion 

Integration with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

Our AHT training program uniquely incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles, enabling healthcare providers to: 

● Address psychological trauma in affected families 

● Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions 

● Support caregiver mental health 

● Enhance family coping strategies 

● Promote resilience and recovery 

Investment in Professional Development 

Enrolling in our Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma training represents a significant investment in your professional development and clinical expertise. The program offers: 

● Comprehensive learning materials 

● Interactive learning platforms 

● Professional networking opportunities 

● Ongoing support resources 

Conclusion: The Path Forward 

Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma training is essential for healthcare providers committed to protecting vulnerable children and supporting affected families. Through comprehensive education and skill development, professionals can make a significant difference in preventing and addressing this serious form of child abuse. 

The training available through TherapyTrainings provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively identify, assess, and respond to cases of AHT. By investing in this specialized training, you enhance your clinical expertise while contributing to better outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Enhance your professional expertise and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children by enrolling in our comprehensive Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma training program. Visit TherapyTrainings today to learn more about our evidence-based curriculum and flexible learning options. 

You might also want to enhance your knowledge and skills on various aspects of mental health and therapy. Try exploring our catalogue of blogs or accredited courses. This way, you’ll stay updated on the latest trends in mental health and of our promos.