What is Interoception and Why It Matters for Children and Adults

Interoception is a term you might not hear every day, but it plays a crucial role in how we understand and respond to our own bodies.

Often referred to as the “hidden sense,” interoception is the brain’s ability to detect and interpret internal signals from the body.

These signals include sensations like hunger, thirst, the need to use the restroom, heart rate, body temperature, and even emotions like anxiety or excitement.

In short, interoception helps us know what is happening inside our bodies and guides how we react to it.

Understanding Interoception

Unlike our five traditional senses—sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell—interoception is internal.

It is what allows you to notice that your stomach is growling, your heart is racing, or your bladder is full.

Beyond physical sensations, interoception is also deeply connected to emotional awareness.

For example, when your heart races and your stomach tightens during a stressful situation, your interoceptive system is alerting you to your emotional state.

Interoception is often overlooked in daily life, but it is essential for self-regulation.

It helps children and adults manage their behaviors, emotions, and overall well-being.

Without strong interoceptive awareness, recognizing feelings of hunger, fatigue, or stress can be challenging, which may impact everything from daily routines to mental health.

Interoception and Children

For children, interoception is a vital part of development.

Kids with strong interoceptive awareness can notice and respond to their bodily needs, which supports independence and self-care skills.

For example, a child who recognizes their stomach is empty may ask for a snack, while another child may notice anxiety building and use calming strategies like deep breathing.

However, some children—especially those with neurodevelopmental differences such as autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges—may struggle with interoception.

They may not recognize bodily signals or may misinterpret them, leading to challenges like missing meals, over- or under-reacting to pain, or difficulty identifying emotions.

Supporting interoception in children can help them improve self-regulation, emotional awareness, and daily functioning.

Interoception in Adults

Interoception isn’t just important for children; adults benefit from interoceptive awareness too.

Understanding internal signals can help manage stress, anxiety, and physical health.

For instance, noticing tension in your shoulders, a racing heart, or a stomach ache can signal that it’s time to take a break, practice mindfulness, or hydrate.

People with stronger interoceptive awareness often report better emotional regulation and overall wellness.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Interoception

Occupational therapists (OTs) often work with children and adults to improve interoceptive awareness.

Through activities and strategies tailored to individual needs, OTs help clients notice and respond to their internal cues.

This may include using check-ins for hunger, thirst, or bathroom needs, practicing body scans, tracking emotions with visual tools, or engaging in sensory-based activities to strengthen body awareness.

Improving interoception can have wide-ranging benefits.

Children may develop better self-care routines, such as recognizing when to eat, sleep, or use the bathroom.

Adults may manage stress more effectively and improve emotional resilience.

In both cases, stronger interoceptive skills contribute to independence, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.

Signs of Interoceptive Challenges

Some common signs that interoception may need support include:

• Difficulty recognizing hunger, thirst, or fatigue
• Frequent accidents or missing bathroom cues
• Trouble identifying or managing emotions
• Overreacting or underreacting to pain
• Difficulty calming down after being upset

If these signs are present, consulting an occupational therapist can help.

OTs use practical, hands-on strategies to improve body awareness and support daily life skills.

Tips to Strengthen Interoception

Even outside of therapy, there are simple ways to support interoception at home or school:

• Mindful breathing – Pause and notice your breath, heart rate, or tension in the body.
• Body scans – Mentally check in with different parts of the body to notice sensations.
• Routine check-ins – Ask yourself or children how hungry, tired, or thirsty they feel.
• Emotion labeling – Practice naming feelings and connecting them to physical sensations.
• Movement activities – Yoga, stretching, and gentle exercise improve body awareness.

Conclusion

Interoception may be an “invisible” sense, but its impact on daily life is significant.

From recognizing hunger and thirst to understanding emotions and managing stress, interoceptive awareness is key to self-regulation and overall well-being.

Occupational therapy and mindful practices can help children and adults strengthen this essential skill, leading to improved independence, confidence, and quality of life.

Understanding and supporting interoception is a small change that can make a big difference in how we experience and navigate the world inside and around us.

Call to Action

Understanding interoception is the first step toward helping kids tune into their bodies and emotions.

When children can recognize what their bodies are telling them, they can better manage big feelings, communicate their needs, and find calm.

If this topic resonated with you, share this post with another parent or educator who wants to help kids build stronger self-awareness and regulation skills.

Contact me for more ideas and resources.

Together, we can make “listening to your body” a lifelong skill for every child.