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5.2: Experience-expectant plasticity

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    Experience-expectant plasticity involves neural circuits that require specific types of input from the environment to develop. Experience-expectant plasticity is triggered by particular species-typical developmental experiences that the brain ‘expects’ to encounter based on a species’ evolutionary history during specific developmental windows referred to as sensitive or critical periods (Hensch, 2004; Werker & Hensch, 2015). Development of the visual system provides a simple demonstration: Light input to the retina during a critical period in the first months of life is required for normal visual development; when this input is absent or atypical (e.g., occurs only in one eye), it produces lasting changes in vision and in the structure and function of brain circuits that support vision (Hensch, 2005; Hubel & Wiesel, 1970; Wiesel & Hubel, 1965). Another example is caregiver presence. Caregiver presence is expected in humans, and indeed caregiver deprivation is associated with alterations of brain structure and function (Eisenberger & Cole, 2012; Tottenham, 2012).  [1] [2]

    Definition: Experience-expectant plasticity

    Involves neural circuits that require specific types of input from the environment to develop and is triggered by particular species-typical developmental experiences that the brain ‘expects’ to encounter based on a species’ evolutionary history during specific developmental windows referred to as sensitive or critical periods

     


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