doi.org/10.1017/cha.2015.32

Article type: Editorial

PUBLISHED 1 September 2015

Volume 40 Issue 3

The collective endeavour of interpreting neuroscience–A collection of Australian based trauma informed research and practice

Joe Tucci and Janise Mitchell

name here
Joe Tucci

name here
Janise Mitchell

Part of Special Series: Interpreting Neuroscience, Creating Evidence - a Collection of Australian Based Trauma Informed Research and Practicego to url

CITATION: Tucci J., & Mitchell J. (2015). The collective endeavour of interpreting neuroscience–A collection of Australian based trauma informed research and practice. Children Australia, 40(3), 1980. doi.org/10.1017/cha.2015.32

download full pdf
https://childrenaustralia.org.au/journal/article/1980
go to url

Abstract

In his latest book, Touch - The Science of Hand, Heart and Mind, respected neuroscientist David Linden (2015) elegantly dives into the complexity of the circuitry that connects the body and the brain in integrative processes of experience. Detailing different types of fibres which conduct information from the sensors in our skin to the brain, he describes how the speed of information flow is critical to the way we can discern various forms of touch.

“…Fast A-fibres are necessary to transmit rapidly changing, highly nuanced signals about object shape, texture, vibration…C-fibres, in contrast, are not built to inform the parts of the brain involved in discriminative, factual aspects of touch sensation, but rather function to integrate information slowly and to discern the emotional tone of the particular touch involved….recently it has become clear that some C-fibres convey a special kind of tactile information: they appear to be tuned for interpersonal touch…C-tactile fibres are caress sensors…(p.78)”.

Amazingly, the human body has evolved so that it has sensors that are sensitive only to the experience of a caress. For children and families, the questions that arise from this insight are numerous and possibly far reaching. How do these fibres develop? Are they involved in embedding a sense of safety into our bodies? Are there circumstances in which they might be damaged? How does stress impact on their development in infants and children?

This PDF has been produced for your convenience. Always refer to the live site https://childrenaustralia.org.au/journal/article/1980 for the Version of Record.