Interoception Assessment and Curriculum (21-22 ASD Tri-State Webinar Series)

Presented by: Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L

Originally aired on: October 27, 2021

Interoception is an important sensory system that helps us to feel internal body signals like a full bladder, growling stomach, tense muscles or speeding heart. Research indicates that our ability to clearly notice and interpret these internal body signals enables us to accurately identify and manage how we feel: Are we anxious? getting frustrated? hungry? full? in pain? needing the bathroom? Interoceptive differences are very common in a variety of students including those with autism, but also in co-occurring or stand-alone conditions such as trauma and attachment disorders, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression and behavioral challenges. Interoception is emerging as a key factor in the development of emotional well-being and healing from trauma. Given the potential impact of the current pandemic on areas such as regulation and mental health, understanding interoception is more important than ever. This webinar will provide an overview of what the latest research tells us about interoception as well as how to apply this evidence when supporting students. A systematic evidence-based approach for assessing and supporting interoception will be shared with a focus on The Interoception Curriculum.