Informative Outline - Shaken Baby Syndrome

Informative Outline

Name: Johan Vega

Speech Title: Shaken Baby Syndrome

Purpose Statement: After listening to my speech, the audience will understand what Shaken Baby Syndrome is, the causes of it, and the effects that results in shaking a baby.

Introduction

I. Attention Getter: How many of you have kids? How many of you have gotten so frustrated by a crying baby that you thought you would lose your mind? Many mothers and fathers feel this way for whatever reason and get so frustrated by a crying baby that they end up shaking their baby by accident to stop them from crying. What has just occurred is referred to as Shaken Baby Syndrome.

II. Connection to Audience: It is important to be aware of Shaken Baby Syndrome because so many new parents, including babysitters get frustrated by a crying baby that the results may end in harm, which could be your child in this case, or even a relative.

III. Credibility Material: I have a two month old son and have gotten so frustrated by his crying at times that I had to follow steps for his safety. I have researched and gathered information on this topic on Shaken Baby Syndrome that I would like to share with you today.

IV. Thesis and Preview: Parents should avoid shaking a baby because of the short and long term effects it can cause. In my speech, I will discuss what Shaken Baby Syndrome really is, who's at risk, and the effects of it altogether.

Transition: Before we talk about all the negative effects that result from shaking a baby, we must first know what Shaken Baby Syndrome is.

I. The definition and truth behind Shaken Baby Syndrome

A. Shaken Baby Syndrome- also known as abusive brain trauma occurs when a frustrated adult shakes a tiny infant in effort to calm him or her. (Haskell, Meg. 2011)

1. Every year nearly 50,000 children are forcefully shaken by their caretakers with men more likely to shake a baby than women. (Thivierge, Bethany, 2006)

2. SBS is not an accident; it is a form of child abuse that occurs when a parent or caregiver loses control and shakes a baby.

3. Shaken baby syndrome can occur from as little as 5 seconds of shaking.

4. Related to whiplash, similar to what occurs in some auto accidents.

Transition: Now that we know what Shaken Baby Syndrome is, let's find out who is at risk. The name says baby, right?

II. More than babies are at risk of Shaken Baby Syndrome

A. Infants are more vulnerable because their weak neck muscles cannot support their large heads, but it can also affect children up to age 5. (The Arc, 2004)

1. Infants are mostly at risk

2. More risk factors- colicky babies, premature, low birth weight, special needs, male gender (unrealistic expectations of physical development. (Lewin, Linda)

B. Many parents are at risk of shaking their baby without even knowing it.

1. New parents and even babysitters get frustrated more by crying

2. More risk factors- Male caregiver, low educational parent, younger parent, single parenthood, depression, belief that baby is manipulate [Visual #1]

Transition: