Brain Mechanisms of Heightened Sensory Responsivity in Early Childhood

Brain Mechanisms Underlying Heightened Sensory Responsivity in Early Childhood

Some children, many of whom are autistic, experience heightened or hyper sensory responsivity from early in life. What drives these heightened sensory experiences and the impact they may have on development is not well known. The SENSOR project aims to use innovative technology, such as virtual reality, to better understand differences in brain functioning that may explain individual variation in sensory responsivity.

Vinny:

"I am a Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellow at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development at Birkbeck College, University of London. I am interested in building understanding of why autistic children are more vulnerable to experiencing mental health difficulties, particularly anxiety. My research uses a variety of methodologies such as EEG, fNIRS, virtual reality and longitudinal modelling to unpick mechanisms that may lead to increased anxiety in autistic people."