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Until a couple of years ago, I had never heard about interoception. When I attended a continuing education class about behavior and sensory processing, interoception was mentioned. It intrigued me and I decided to research more. The problem is, not a lot of research has been done on interoception. So today I want to help answer the question “What is interoception?” and help to de-mystify this 8th sensory system a little bit.
What are the 8 senses?
Before we get started on discussing Interception, I want to give a brief review of all the sensory systems.
The sensory system is part of the nervous system responsible for processing sensory information. The sensory system consists of sensory receptors, neural pathways, and parts of the brain involved in sensory perception.
What are the 8 senses?
Most people learn about the 5 common senses, but not everyone knows there are really 8! I didn't even realize there were 8 until a couple of years ago (I knew there were 7, but the 8th one surprised me).
So what are they?
- Tactile/Touch
- Auditory/Hearing
- Visual/Sight
- Taste
- Smell
- Proprioception
- Vestibular
- Interoception
If you would like more basic information on all 8 sensory systems, you can check out my post on all 8 senses of the sensory system here. I also have a free 9-day e-mail series on sensory processing that gives you one-page printables for each system throughout the series.
What is Interoception? The Nitty Gritty Explained
Interoception is the sense of knowing what is going on INSIDE our bodies.
Things such as feeling:
- Hunger
- Thirst
- Tired
- Feeling pain
- Temperature (Feeling hot or cold etc)
- Using the bathroom
- Any other internal sensations
Science Behind Interoception
Don't worry, I'm not getting too technical here.
We've already learned that interoception is an internal sensory system of the body. Your body is filled with sensory receptors that tell you where your body parts are. These receptors are located in your muscles and joints. This helps you to understand what is going on around you and how your body moves within that environment.
Something similar goes on with Interoception, except that the receptors are inside your body's organs and skin. All of these receptors report to your brain with information about what is going on INSIDE your body.
This all helps to regulate your body functions such as hunger, thirst, bathroom needs, heart rate, digestion etc.
Interoception can also be tied to emotional regulation and your mood.
The best example of this is the commercial by Snickers®. The commercial portrays a character who is “hangry” or angry because they are hungry. Often times we have an EMOTIONAL response to what we are feeling inside our bodies. Some people may become angry or moody when they are hungry. When you begin to feel this way, most of the time you know you need to get something to eat and your mood improves.
Imagine you have to go to the bathroom but you can't find a place to go. You most likely become anxious, frantically looking for the nearest options out of fear that you may not make it in time.
You can thank your interoception system for all these feelings and reactions to what is going on inside.
Hyper-Responsive and Hypo-Responsive Interoception Reactions
Just like the other 7 sensory systems, children can be hyper-responsive or hypo-responsive to interoception sensory input.
Hyper-responsive, also known as over-responsive or hypersensitive means a child is extremely sensitive to this input. The slightest sensation of hunger, thirst, or bathroom needs can cause them to be extremely anxious. The slightest change in temperature or even hearing their own heartbeat can be extremely distracting. Some of the sensations they feel could even be extremely painful.
Hypo-responsive, also known as under-responsive or hyposensitive means a child often needs a large amount of input in order to recognize the type of sensory information their brain is receiving. This means they may not realize the need to use the restroom, or they may not realize they are hungry until they are completely starving. And the same with feeling thirsty. They might not realize they are in pain or the sensation of pain feels completely different to them, like a tickle.
Interoception Sensitivities to Look For
Interoception sensitivities may affect those who have been diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), Anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and even obesity.
Children who are experiencing sensory processing issues have trouble making sense of the information that their brain is receiving. They may not be able to tell when they feel pain or when their bladder is full. A common sensation such as an itch may feel extremely painful, or pain may feel like tickling.
Those who struggle with interoception input can also have difficulties with “feeling” emotion. They may not be as aware or tuned in to their body's cues that can help to interpret that emotion. This makes it difficult for them to identify emotions. For example, a child may not “feel” fear because he doesn’t recognize that his muscles are tense, his breathing is shallow and his heart is racing.
Children who are hypersensitive to interoception input may be extremely distracted by sensations such as hunger or having to use the bathroom. In some cases, these sensations can even be painful. They may have trouble maintaining focus on a task because they are distracted by what is going on inside their body.
Children who are hyposensitive to interoception input may not even be aware of the cues their body is giving them to the sensations inside their body. They simply aren't getting enough information to process what is going on.
This means they may not feel when they need to go to the bathroom, resulting in accidents or difficulty with potty training.
They may never feel full after a meal or they may never feel hungry. They may not respond to pain the same way as you and I might. A broken bone may not even phase them. Or the slightest scratch or cut may cause extreme pain and anxiety.
All of these can result in safety issues and difficulty functioning in a typical environment.
Interoception and Self-Regulation
Interoception difficulties can also make self-regulation a challenge. When you are able to tell that you’re thirsty, you know to get a drink. When you can feel that your bladder is full, you know to use the bathroom. When you feel a sense of frustration, you know to explain what’s troubling you.
For some children with interoception difficulties, they can’t regulate certain responses. Some kids may experience bedwetting. Or they may not know why they’re feeling off and can have meltdowns. Kids who struggle with these things may not be able to identify the real source of their discomfort.
Activity Strategies for Interoception Sensitivity
There is not a lot of research on Interoception that gives definite activity or therapy solutions. However, here are a few ideas that have been suggested.
– Mindfulness activities and meditation (encourages children to be more aware of what is going on inside their bodies)
– Yoga for kids
– Creating a sensory diet to address sensitivities (make sure to work with a licensed Occupational therapist who is familiar with sensory processing)
– Repetitive and rhythmic vestibular input (such as swinging, rocking etc)
– Visual prompts, cues or communication devices that encourage children to identify body functions and feelings
– Verbally labeling emotions as we see them and also responding appropriately to encourage functional responses.
– Help your child to communicate wants, needs, emotions, and feelings by first recognizing them and then communicating them appropriately (social stories could be helpful for this).
Further Reading on Sensory Processing
In my new book, Sensory Processing Explained, we take a closer look at interoception, as well as give some detailed activities that can help. Plus we cover all other seven systems and have a detailed section for parents and another for educators. You can read more about it HERE.
Free Printable on Interoception
Resources and Future Reading on Interoception:
- What is Interoception? – Understood.org
- What Is Interoception? – The Inspired Treehouse (Pediatric OT and PT blog)
- Interoception 101 – SERU (under Downloads section)
- Interoception – The Least Known Sense – Special-Ism
- What is Interoception? – The Sensory Spectrum
You May Also Like: 
- Resources for Child Behavior and Sensory Processing
- Calm Down Toolkit for Kids
- The Secret Sensory Culprit that Makes Reading and Writing Challenging for Your Child
- Sensory Processing and the Teenage Years
Jasmine says
I can’t believe I found this thread!! My daughter was diagnosed with hypotonia dyspraxia, spd and a lot of the points you spoke about are so right.
8th sense is something that hasn’t been mentioned to this extent before? The information you have shared is something I can add to my research more list 🙂
Tanya Tarail says
This would fall under Vagus nerve regulation?
Helen Burrell says
Reading this article was like a lightbulb moment! Suddenly so much that is going on with my kids makes sense to me. I feel like I can actually deal with what’s going on in our lives. When you are given a diagnosis of spd and high functioning autism that’s pretty much it. It would be so much better if the professionals in these fields were to give information like this in appointments,then parents might not feel so helpless/powerless to help their child. We haven’t been diagnosed long and I find I’m learning more every day about my special little angels. There’s never a dull moment! Thank you.
Virginia Nolivos says
HI,
Thank you for this information. I’d love to know more about the science behind this. Could you provide the publications with the research and data?
Thanks!
aimee baker says
I knew my son had issues like this but didn’t have a name and didn’t have ideas on how to help him. Tha k you for sharing!!!! My only question would be why at 2 was he not phased by a blood draw or shot but now at 5 he freaks out at the mention of a shot? Is he changing with age or is it anxiety making him upset??
Heather Greutman says
Hi Aimee,
Thanks for your comment. It could be both. I know my daughter was not afraid of loud noises when she was younger, but now she is and we have to use noise-canceling headphones if we know are going to be in a loud situation (like a concert or movie).
Rose says
Can a child be a combination of hyper and hypo sensitive? Example: My daughter is hypersensitive to temperature, hunger and emotions but hyposensitive to the sensation of going to the bathroom or pain signals.
Heather Greutman says
Yes Rose, that is very possible!
Jenn says
My son is both hypo and hyper. Which causes so much anxiety with him. He’s also going through a growth spurt right and the pain in his legs is excruciating. He often has meltdowns that can last for days. Especially at times like this where he can feel change happening in his body. He is 10. I also have to monitor is food and servings because he never feels full but then that can lead to overeating and then an upset tummy. SPD is constantly changing as he gets older. And some days are no challenge at all and the next day can be a really bad day. Occupational Therapy has helped him tremendously!
Nikki says
My daughter is the same. She can present both and depending on if she is hyper or hypo before a trigger she can have different meltdowns. Either completely shuts down or she can get really high pitched and squeaky and cross and stamp about. One day we can have a really lovely ‘normal’ day and the next I can’t even get her to sch. We’re trying to find triggers to help and strategies for bringing her out of her meltdowns. Suggestions welcomed.
Diana Fitts says
This is so important and can shed light on a lot of the sensory issues a child may be having. While more research needs to be done (all sensory issues do!), this is an intriguing area of future study. Thanks for explaining it so clearly and bringing attention to it.
Best,
Diana
Marc Atherton says
My son has Autism, and global development delay I recognise some of what’s going on here as he doesn’t really feel pain, temperatures don’t bother him etc
The main problem we are having is toileting he’s 7 and still in nappies, he will go to the toilet to urinate in the day time when we take him every hour or so. But other than that it’s like he has no control we just can’t seem to make any progress.
Any advice on how to get him to recognise when he needs to go?
Nicola says
Thanks, this was really interesting. Miss 3 has strong sensory sensitivities so I’ve done lots of research on the first 7 senses, I hadn’t realized there was a name for the 8th but it reflects a lot of our challenges. Interesting to know she’s not the only one who uses ‘tickling’ to refer not only to tickling, but also to a light sensation, a bearable/endurable sensation, and pain; i.e. a hot pavement might ‘tickle’ her feet and it might take her a while to realize that it’s actually too hot and hurting as she’s normally hypo on her lower half.
Shared to Facebook.
Susan D. Rich, MD, MPH, DFAPA says
Hi, I’m a child psychiatrist specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders and have a long time interest in sensory processing disorders related to neurodevelopmental damage from prenatal exposures. Since the nervous system begins to develop very early – week 2 after conception and 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, common lifestyle behaviors such as alcohol use can lead to very subtle nerve damage (not just neurocognitive problems) associated with sensory hypo- or hyper- sensitivities.
I’d be interested to know how much information you’ve come across (in general sources available to the public) about the link between sensory processing disorders and alcohol use prior to pregnancy recognition.
Ginni says
Hi Susan. I would love to email you about our case. I have been mourning what our son coukd have been if I had known I was pregnant earlier. I was young and naive. We pay for it every day of our lives having to support our beautiful boy who has special needs. I will give you an address to contact me on ginnihope88@gmail.com
Pam says
When you need something, the world brings it to you! I knew I would think of a child in my class as I started reading, but I ended up understanding two – one likely hypersensitive ( very articulate but “simply”cries when hungry, or touched by others, etc) and one hypersensitive who never makes it to the bathroom, and has atypical emotional reactions).
I think this will be super helpful in planning for these children to help them both be more successful in a classroom. Thank you.
Pam says
(Edit : I meant to say HYPO-SENSITIVE for the second child)
mari says
Thank you for this info! My son has autism and suffered kidney faliar 3 years ago because of hydronithropaty – the bladder pushed liquid into the kidneys from being held up, no feeling of full bladder!!! . This was ascribed to autism related “neorophatic bladder & bowels” . It shows how serious the absence/suppression of introspection can be……
Heather Greutman says
Hi Mari, oh wow, I bet that was scary! Thanks for sharing your story.