Altered sensory processing has been an important feature of the clinical descriptions of
autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is evidence that sensory dysregulation arises early …

Though rarely included in studies of parent–infant interactions, affectionate touch plays a
unique and vital role in infant development. Previous studies in human and rodent models …

Since their initial discovery in cats, low-threshold C-fiber mechanoreceptors have become a
central interest of scientists studying the affective aspects of touch. Their pursuit in humans …

Previous behavioral research points to a positive relationship between maternal touch and
early social development. Here, we explored the brain correlates of this relationship. The …

A growing body of evidence from the behavioural and neural sciences indicates that social
touch has a vital role in human development and psychological well-being. Despite some …

Animal models of early postnatal mother–infant interactions have highlighted the importance
of tactile contact for biobehavioral outcomes via the modification of DNA methylation …

Highlights•Early tactile experiences are the most direct experience of contact with the
surrounding physical and social environment.•Affective touch interactions may promote …

Touch plays an important role in the development of infants and children. In this review, we
highlight the neural conditioning of affective touch and the related physiological responses …

Highlights•Social touch has been pursued in a sender-signal-receiver framework.•This may
be inappropriate for capturing its significance.•We suggest 'nonverbal effecting'as an …

In the last decade, philosophy, neuroscience and psychology alike have paid increasing
attention to the study of interpersonal affective touch, which refers to the emotional and …