Introduction to Interoception

MUST HAVE ATTENDED PRACTICAL UNDERSTANDING OF AUTISM

Target Audience

Education, health and social care professionals working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism.

Duration

4 hoursIntroduction to Interoception

Purpose

To introduce the concept of interoception, its relevance to autistic individuals, and how staff can support the development of interoceptive awareness to enhance emotional regulation, wellbeing, and learning.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

- Define interoception and explain its role as one of the body’s sensory systems.

- Understand how interoception affects emotional regulation, self-awareness, and physical wellbeing.

- Recognise how interoceptive differences present in autistic individuals, including under-firing, over-firing, and mis-firing of internal signals.

- Differentiate between Theory of Mind and Theory of Own Mind, and understand why both are essential for emotional development.

- Identify the impact of interoception on daily functions such as eating, toileting, sleep, temperature regulation, and physical health.

- Apply practical strategies to support interoceptive development in relevant settings.

- Use reflective and observational techniques to help individuals identify and label internal body signals and emotions.

- Promote body mindfulness and lived experience learning as tools for developing interoceptive awareness.