Ever wondered why your child forgets to have a drink all day or comes home with an untouched lunchbox? Interoception, our often-overlooked internal sense, plays a crucial role in these scenarios. Interoception might not be one of our five sense but it is still a key player in helping us navigate the world. This blog explores how interoception influences the emotional well-being of neurodiverse children.
What is Interoception?:
Interoception is our body's way of understanding internal signals—those basic needs like hunger, toileting, stress, and sleepiness. It's our internal GPS for achieving balance (homeostasis). While some instinctively respond to these cues, neurodiverse individuals, with their unique brain wiring and sensory needs, may require extra support in developing interoceptive awareness.
Parenting Experiences and Interoception:
Does your child seem perpetually stuck in toilet training or forget to eat, leading to mysterious meltdowns? Perhaps your teen is so engrossed in their passion that sleep takes a back seat on school nights. These situations may be indicative of a lack of interoception awareness. Notably, lower interoceptive awareness can impact emotional regulation, as your child might feel emotions without recognizing the physical cues associated with them.
Top Tips for Improving Interoception:
Timers and Routines: Implement timers for daily activities to provide neurodiverse children with a structured framework. This promotes predictability and heightened awareness. For instance, use an alarm to remind your child to have a drink in the morning.
Habit Stacking: Embrace habit stacking by incorporating interoceptive activities into existing routines. For example, prompt your child to assess their need to go to the toilet when the school bell rings for break time.
Body Scans: Introduce body scans as a mindful practice. They help neurodiverse children connect with and understand their bodily sensations. Make it engaging by using words, body parts, or even colors.
Visual Cues: Create visual supports, such as routine boards with simple tasks depicted through pictures. These cues, like a toothbrush or lunchbox image, can help your child navigate daily activities without feeling overwhelmed.
Mindful Activities: Explore mindful activities like yoga or breathing exercises tailored to the sensory preferences of neurodiverse children. These activities foster awareness and contribute to overall well-being.
In fostering interoceptive awareness, parents play a vital role in supporting their neurodiverse children. By incorporating these tips into daily life, you can empower your child to navigate their internal signals, ultimately contributing to improved emotional regulation and overall well-being.
Empoweringly yours,
Laura
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