What we know about Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC)
SUDC not a diagnosis
It is a category of death — one that currently eludes scientific understanding. By definition, the cause is unknown.
400-450 losses
In the United States, approximately 400–450 children are lost to SUDC every year. Most are toddlers between the ages of 1 and 4. Most were healthy. Most died during sleep.
SUDC vs SIDS
SIDS refers to the sudden, unexplained death of a babyunder12 months of age. It has been studied extensively for decades, and while a definitive cause remains unknown, safe sleep practices have been shown to reduce risk.
SUDC is less researched
SUDC refers to the sudden, unexplained death of a childover12 months of age. It is far less researched and far less funded. Unlike SIDS, no prevention strategies have yet been identified for SUDC.
UNIMAGINABLE GRIEF WITH NO ANSWERS
Both SUDC & SIDS are devestating & both leave families without answers.
But SUDC has received a fraction of the awareness, research funding, and public attention that SIDS has — and that's something The Atlas Project is working to change.
SUDC can't yet be predicted or prevented. But the science is moving forward — and foundations like ours exist to support that progress and make sure families aren't left behind.
