Forever Shaken: Understanding the Lifelong Impact of Abusive Head Trauma

Breakout Session

Forever Shaken: Understanding the Lifelong Impact of Abusive Head Trauma

Speaker(s):

Peggy Reisher

Date, time, and room location:

Breakout Session A
Date & Time:
Tue, Jun 16, 2026 | 10:20 - 11:20am CDT
This is a repeat session.
Breakout Session B
Date & Time:
Tue, Jun 16, 2026 | 12:40 - 1:40pm CDT

Session overview

Track:

Trauma and Resiliency of the Developing Child

Audience level: 

Foundational

Intended audience:

All

Session materials: 

This session does not have any session materials currently.

Session Description

This session features Forever Shaken, a Nebraska-based documentary developed by the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska (BIA-NE) that shares powerful stories of individuals and families impacted by Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), also known as shaken baby syndrome. Through these firsthand accounts, participants will gain insight into the lifelong physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of AHT and the critical need for early identification, prevention, and ongoing support. The session will explore how AHT is both a preventable act of violence and a lifelong brain injury. Participants will learn about BIA-NE’s efforts to raise awareness, strengthen community response systems, and provide resources for survivors and families. Practical strategies will be shared to help professionals integrate trauma-informed, brain injury–responsive approaches into their work and community outreach.

Learning objectives

  1. Define Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) and its long-term effects on the developing brain.
  2. Recognize signs of AHT and the ongoing needs of survivors and families.
  3. Apply trauma-informed, brain injury–responsive strategies to prevention and support.