Glossary
What is interoception?
Also called: interoceptive awareness, the eighth sense, interoception autism, body signals
Definition
Interoception is the sense that tells us what is happening inside our body, such as hunger, thirst, needing the toilet, tiredness, pain, a racing heart, and the physical feelings that come with emotions.
What it means
Most people have heard of the five senses. Occupational therapists and researchers also talk about the vestibular sense (balance), proprioception (where your body is in space) and interoception, which is sometimes called the eighth sense.
Interoception is closely tied to emotions. Before we know we are anxious, our body often tells us: a tight chest, butterflies, hot cheeks. Many autistic children, and some children with ADHD or anxiety, notice these signals differently. Some barely register them until they are overwhelming. Others notice them very strongly and find them frightening. This can make it hard to recognise feelings early enough to do something about them.
What it can look like for your child
Not noticing they need the toilet until it is urgent, or having accidents later than other children. Forgetting to eat, or not seeming to know when they are full. Not realising they are cold, unwell or exhausted. Saying they feel “fine” right up until a meltdown, or mistaking anxiety for feeling sick. Some children can’t tell you whether they feel angry or sad, only that they feel “bad”.
How counselling can help
We use games and activities to help children notice and name what is going on in their body, such as comparing their heartbeat after jumping and after resting, or mapping where they feel worry. This is gentle, practical work, and it often makes emotional regulation easier, because a child who notices early signals has more time to do something calming. We can share the activities that help so you can use them at home.