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I have a new foster baby who is 13 months old. Yesterday I talked with his special needs case manager at his insurance company. She was asking basic questions and our conversation was just about over when she said, "oh, and he has Shaken Baby Syndrome." WHAT?!?! This was never mentioned to me!!! I questioned her, asking her if she was sure. She mentioned the date of his exam and confirmed that he was diagnosed with this.His examine happened less than a month ago, and he was in another foster home then.His CW did casually mention that he had a brain scan/x-rays because his parents recently disclosed some injuries as an infant. But she did NOT disclose that he was diagnosed with SBS.This baby seems pretty typical. Yes, he is a bit delayed, but he was severely neglected.I would love some BTDT feedback on kids with a SBS diagnosis. Can kids have this diagnosis but appear okay to someone who doesn't know? To be given this diagnosis would there have needed to be evidence of past injuries on his brain scan/x-rays (I am thinking the answer to that questions is yes?) Or would they say SBS just because of the parents' disclosure? What do I need to be looking for or be aware of with this diagnosis?The CW is adamant that he is not going to be reunified with mom. This seemed strange to me because his case is pretty new. I knew there must be more to the story that was not being shared with me. Maybe this is that information.And, just as a vent, I cannot believe I was not told of this!!! I guess that the information is considered "confidential"? But, seriously, if I am to advocate for this child's well-being, this is information I need to know, IMO. I was not told of my son's drug-exposure history by his CW either. His CASA worker let that tidbit of information slip.TIA for any feedback, information, or advice.
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I'm a bit familiar with this type of thing. As I understand it, children can be given this dx, but that can include a lot of things.
Was this child taken to a hospital soon after the damage was done? As *I* understand it, unless testing is done somewhat soon after the initial abuse, it's not always detectible as Shaken Baby Syndrome. (Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong.)
For the child I know of, the testing was done sometime after the abuse so the baby had many broken bones---all in differing stages of healing. But, while the testing showed there were no brain bleeds---it also may have been because the abuse occurred some time before. However, MD's noted that the baby's broken bones 'were in the same pattern as those seen in shaken baby syndrome cases'. So no real dx was given for this child (other than physical abuse), but it clearly pointed *toward* Shaken baby syndrome.
To date, the baby---now child-- has some sensory integration issues and can also have some difficulty regulating emotions---but nothing seriously stands out.
I would be asking if a hospital did an occular scan---which might show bleeding behind the eyes. And, I'd ask for any x-rays or MRI's/CAT scans. As the foster parent, you DO deserve to know all details in terms of what may/may not affect this little one. Keep in mind though, even if there WERE brain bleeds, these can affect babies in many different ways. This is to say, just because the child underwent terrific abuse, his physical challenges may not be very severe.
Even so, in many cases, if a child has suffered injuries from shaken baby---or injuries that might imply shaken baby----the foster care system will not approve reunification. (And with good reason, IMO.)
I would be sure to have him evaluated by your nearby Birth-to Three (Early Intervention) group. They may be able to easily assess where he's at-developmentally---and may be able to point you to the right phsycian who can further dx any potential problems.
My best to you. Sounds like this little one is in the right place by being in your care/arms.
Sincerely,
Linny
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