Understanding Interoception: Helping Children Tune-In to Their Inner World

Have you ever wondered how your body tells you it’s hungry, tired, or nervous? That’s interoception — the body’s internal sense that helps us notice what’s happening inside. For many children on the autism spectrum, interoception doesn’t come naturally. They might struggle to recognise when they’re hungry, need the toilet, or even when they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

What Is Interoception?

Interoception is our “internal body awareness.” It helps us interpret signals such as a racing heart, a rumbling tummy, or butterflies in our stomach. These signals allow us to connect our physical sensations with emotional experiences — for example, realising, “My heart is beating fast because I feel scared.”

When interoception is underdeveloped or misinterpreted, a child may find it difficult to label or regulate their emotions. They might not recognise early signs of frustration until they’re already upset, or they may misread body signals altogether.

Signs a Child Might Need Support

• Difficulty describing how they feel (e.g., “I don’t know what’s wrong”).

• Emotional reactions that seem to come out of nowhere.

• Challenges recognising hunger, thirst, or fatigue.

• Trouble calming down once upset.

How to Support Interoceptive Development at Home

The good news is, interoception can be supported through simple, everyday activities:

• Body check-ins: Ask questions like, “What do you feel in your tummy?” or “Is your heart beating fast or slow right now?”

• Movement and rest: After running or jumping, talk about what changes in the body. “You’re breathing fast! That means your body is working hard.”

• Emotion linking: Pair physical sensations with feelings: “When you feel butterflies, it might mean you’re excited or nervous.”

• Mindful moments: Encourage noticing sensations — warm water on the hands, a full tummy after lunch, or a comfy blanket.

By helping children tune into these internal cues, we strengthen their emotional regulation, self-awareness, and confidence in understanding what their body needs.

✨ Every child deserves to feel safe and connected — both inside and out. Building interoception is one step toward that connection.