Our Research

What is Somatosensory Processing?

 

Somatosensory processing is how our brain responds to touch, movement, and body position.

​

​It is one of the earliest ways babies explore and interact with the world. This system starts developing before birth, allowing babies to respond to touch and movement in the womb.

​

For babies who are born early, the sensory experience outside the womb is very different and we are interested to see how this impacts on sensory processing during the first few years of life.

​

In this study, we are asking how these early sensory experiences shape later motor, cognitive and sensory development.

 

Our research can improve newborn care and support early interventions to optimise babies skills.