The Interoceptive System is intertwined with organs throughout the body and is responsible for providing information about the internal condition of the body.
This system helps with developing:
Awareness of when we are hungry, hot, thirsty, sleepy, etc.
Knowing when to use the bathroom
Identifying pain, such as stomach aches or a sore throat.
Emotional regulation
Awareness of the emotions of others
Some behaviors we may see due to sensory challenges within the interoceptive system include:
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- Misinterpreting a feeling or not being able to understand what they are feeling (inside their body)
- Missing internal body signals
Not feeling a sensation inside their body and, therefore, being unresponsive
For example, not feeling the urge to go to the bathroom, so they soil themselves.
Difficulty expressing an emotion or desire
Difficulty reading body language or facial expressions
Emotional outbursts caused by missing or misinterpreting body signals
A few activities that can be used to improve the interoceptive system:
Use prompts and questions throughout the day to focus on internal body signals.
Help support your child to better understand their body and recognize the feelings inside.
Practice mindfulness, yoga, and body scanning with an emphasis on body sensations
Read social stories to help understand body signals.
Expose them to various sensations and activities such as hot/cold, running/still, dry/wet, etc., and reflect on how the body feels.
For additional information about interoception please visit the link below:
https://www.kelly-mahler.com/interoception-for-parents-and-caregivers/