Interoception
Almost everyone recognizes that there are 5 senses, but did you know that there are actually 8? Most will be able to list sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste, but there are also proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoceptive senses. Proprioception gathers information about the muscles and joints, the vestibular system gathers information about the body’s position and movement in space, and interoception gathers information about the internal organs and physiological states of the body. Interoception helps us to recognize when we feel ill, hungry, the need to use the restroom, hydration, and many others. Individuals with sensory processing disorder or autism spectrum disorder often experience difficulties with their sense of interoception, but others even without diagnoses can have difficulty with this system. Signs that someone may have impacted interoception may include:
- Inability to recognize when he or she is hungry or full
- Trouble with potty training, incontinence, or constipation
- Abnormal responses to pain, stress, or emotions.
- Difficulty reporting illness or symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fever, etc.
Altered interoception may result in difficulties with emotional regulation, toileting, nutrition, self-awareness, and overall health. To learn more about interoception, feel free to reference the following resources:
www.kelly-mahler.com/what-is-interoception
www.growinghandsonkids.com/interoception
If you feel that your child has difficulty with interoceptive awareness or any other concerns listed above, please call us for more details: In Sioux Falls, 605-444-9700. In Rapid City, 605-791-7400. Learn more about our therapy services HERE.
