Interoception/in-teh-ro-SEP-shun/
The sense of internal body signals (hunger, heartbeat, temperature, tension) that inform emotions and regulation.
Andy says:
It’s your inner dashboard—helping you notice when you need food, water, rest, or connection.
Detailed Explanation
Interoception supports emotion awareness, decision‑making, and safety.
Differences may lead to:
- Missing needs until they are urgent (e.g., sudden hunger/overwhelm)
- Heightened discomfort or focus on internal sensations
Supports build noticing through gentle check‑ins and body‑based tools.
Community Context
Common focus in autism/ADHD supports, alexithymia work, and therapy. Paired with co‑regulation and accommodations.
Quick Tips
- Set periodic check‑in timers (thirst, tension, temperature)
- Use scales (0–10) for hunger/energy; track patterns
- Pair decisions with body cues (do I feel open/closed?)
Do / Don't
- Do: practice noticing without judgment; keep comfort items (water, layers)
- Do: educate teams to allow body breaks
- Don't: force interoceptive exposure; respect comfort limits
Scientific Context
Interoceptive accuracy and awareness are distinct; ties to insula function are studied. Interoception links to emotion regulation and anxiety.
Language Notes
Related to alexithymia, mindfulness, and sensory processing.
Related Terms
Alexithymia
Difficulty identifying and describing one’s own emotions; common in autistic people and others.
Autistic Burnout
A state of intense physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion experienced by autistic people.
Co-regulation
Supporting someone’s nervous system to calm or activate through shared cues: steady presence, tone, breath, and environment.
Sensory Processing Disorder
A condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses.
Sources
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