Science begins to confirm much of what we already know about the critical importance of adequate nurturing, in the early stages of life. British scientists are now able to monitor how our brain's "wiring" develops in the first few months of life, because of new imaging technology.
Researchers at King's College London scanned babies brains to monitor myelination, which is a process of maturation by which the brain becomes more effective. Myelination is largely responsible for conducting impulses within the brain; therefore allowing the brain to respond adaptively, or in a functional manner, to surroundings. Scientists scanned the infants monthly from 3 to 11 months, and found that by 9 months, the "myelination had taken place in all areas of the brain." (1)
"We already know that insulating myelin sheaths form the cornerstone of our neurodevelopment." states Sean Deoni, who led the study. The next (and very exciting) phase of study, will involve monitoring the myelination process in premature infants, who have not yet had a chance to fully develop structures in the brain, and compare the major differences between them and "normally" developing infants.
"In very premature babies, myelination can be particularly prone to damage, and the researchers said they hoped their new imaging technique would in the future allow doctors to directly measure whether the treatments given to premature babies are able to help normal brain development." Kate Kelland
Since I am one of the clinicians who provides such treatment to neonates, I will comment on the subject. From my work with premature infants at NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), I have been privileged to experience how miraculously 'adaptive' the human nervous system can be. As an occupational therapist, I have extensive training in the area of sensory integration; however, I truly realized what all that training was really good for, in NICU. Essentially, sensory integration is a science which specifically addresses the way the human brain is able to process responses from the external world, and helps to facilitate an adaptive, or functional response.
It wasn't until my greatest 'Little Teachers' were able to regulate their physiological stress so they could begin dealing with their world: i.e. looking at me (or mommy/daddy), molding into an embrace, discovering their own bodies (their surroundings) and initiating feeding... That I realized the techniques I use: such as deep pressure touch, and VERY graded movement (in a way similar to what our 'normal' nervous systems experience in utero) were very effective in helping this little 'human systems' respond in a more mature and organized way to their environment. It helped them to begin bonding, learning and feeding (important pre-requisites for life).
"By understanding exactly how myelin develops and when this process breaks down, we hope to be able to tailor treatments for vulnerable patients, such as premature babies, and understand what differentiates those that develop normally from those who have some delay or disability." Sean Deoni
We have long been aware of that movement is linked to increased myelination (or conductivity) of the nervous system; I would venture to say, for those of you who are thinking 'bigger is better', that is NOT the intensity but the appropriateness of the movement that helps create an adaptive response. You would not take a baby in a roller coaster ride, but gently rock him/her in securely your arms, monitoring that s/he responds by making eye contact with you, or cuddling--rather than stiffening, or tremoring.
It is easy to recall earlier studies of children in Romanian orphanages who were adequately fed and clothed during infancy, but received little other human interaction (i.e. touch). Some of these children were examined later using Pet Scans, and these revealed much of the functional brain space had simply wasted away. The most successful of these children had learned to compensate, by using other areas of their brain for several functions, which once again reinforces the miraculous adaptability of the human nervous system.
In conclusion, science is continuing to offer 'proof' that early nurturing is essential, if not critical, to healthy development. There are now tools that illustrate the effects of early experience in the neurophysiology of the brain. Evidence further supporting the importance of critical developmental windows, when skills are built for a lifetime.
(1) "Study shows how brain's wiring develops in babies"-- Kate Kelland, Baby Center News
(2) Reuters Resources
Irene Martinez, OTR/L. Pediatric Occupational Therapist, with 18 years of clinical expertise. Holds certifications in NeuroDevelopment and Sensory Integration. Clinical specialist at Miami Children's Hospital, and Director at The Children's Therapy Place. For the most updated information visit http://www.TenderCareforTenderPeople.com
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