The importance of early experiences for neuro-affective development

Abstract

This chapter considers the functional utility of the prolonged period of immaturity in human brain development. Development of the amygdala and its connections with the prefrontal cortex is used as an example system for discussing the special role of sensitive periods in shaping neural functional architecture. The argument is made that neural immaturity during childhood may be important and confer a longer period of neuroplasticity, which can increase learning from the environment.

Figure 1

Proportional increases in length of immature states in humans relative to apes. (Copied from Thompson & Nelson, 2011).

Figure 2

Mature amygdala-mPFC connectivity following maternal deprivation. Unlike typically-raised (comparison) children who showed immature (positive) amygdala-medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) connectivity, previously institutionalized (PI) children exhibited the mature pattern of negative amygdala-mPFC coupling, such that PI children resembled adolescents. SEM = standard error of the mean. (Copied from Gee et al. (in press). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences).