The Scientific Controversy That’s Tearing Families Apart

Shaken baby syndrome has been discredited, criticized, and even classified as “junk science” by a New Jersey judge, so why is it often being treated as settled fact in hospitals and courtrooms? The neuroscience researcher Cyrille Rossant was plunged headfirst into the controversy of shaken baby syndrome, now called “abusive head trauma,” when his child was believed to have been shaken by a nanny. After years of research, Rossant is now a leading voice among skeptics who say shaken baby syndrome isn’t backed by scientific proof. 

Further reading: 

Shaken Baby Syndrome: Investigating the Abusive Head Trauma Controversy, co-authored by Cyrille Rossant 

“How Antiscience Creates Confusion About the Diagnosis of Abusive Head Trauma,” by John Leventhal, et al. 

“No Science Supports the Diagnostic Methods for Abusive Head Trauma,” by Cyrille Rossant, et al. 

“False Confessions: Causes, Consequences, and Implications for Reform,” by Saul Kassin 

Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/podsub.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices