Interoception – Understanding What’s Inside

Young girl standing in front of a tree drinking from a water bottle

Imagine being at the park. You are sitting at a picnic table, reading. You notice you are starting to get too hot, so you move into the shade. This triggers you to realize you are thirsty so you drink some cold water you brought with you. An hour later, you sense you have to use the bathroom.

You get up and find a bathroom to use. After, you realize you are feeling tired, and it is getting late in the day and you need to prepare dinner. You go home to eat dinner and then head to bed.

ALL of this was because your body was able to sense what it needed. The internal cues of your body were recognized, processed, and found a solution- that’s interoception!

The interoceptive system guides our body in maintaining balance, also known as homeostasis.

It’s also compared to the mind-body connection. It’s understanding what your body needs, and how best to respond to meet it. This processing includes:

  • Hunger
  • Digestion
  • Thirst
  • Sleep
  • Body temperature
  • Bowel movements

Many children with difficulties processing sensory input are unable to understand what their bodies need.

These children can have difficulty with many aspects of their everyday life including potty training, regulating their emotions, sleep, and hunger. This can cause them to be dysregulated and have difficulty engaging.

Samantha Stiles, MS, OTR/L 

CEO, Occupational Therapist

As a pediatric therapist I know what it takes to really address feeding, sensory, and emotional challenges in children. I’m talking the kind of exponential growth that changes the course of lives. But this type of transformation requires time, parent involvement, and extra guidance.

When parents arrive inside the world of Empower Kids Therapy, they find a fresh spark of hope, a different way of thinking, and a sense of being understood.

Free Consultation
little girl eating a bowl of something at the table

Does your picky eater make mealtime stressful?

Get your FREE Mealtime Success Guide!

The Empower Kids Therapy approach combines sensory experiences matched with proven therapy strategies to provide a safe, fun, and explorative mealtime.

683 Posts
1.8K Followers

Ms.Sam - Pediatric Occupational Therapist

In-home occupational therapy services focused on sensory processing, feeding & infant development
📍 Orlando, FL

For many children with sensory needs, knowing what to expect can turn an overwhelming day into an exciting adventure. Visual schedules provide structure, reduce anxiety, and help everyone enjoy the experience more fully.

If you’re planning a theme park trip and would like a customized schedule tailored to your child’s needs, reach out to Mrs. Sam, she’d love to help make your day smoother and more joyful 💚

#VisualSchedule #SensoryFriendlyTravel #DisneyWithAutism #MagicKingdomTips #AutismParenting #ThemeParkPlanning #RoutineMatters #AutismSupport #SensoryProcessing #VisualRoutine #NeurodiverseFamilies #CustomSchedules #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisneyTipsForParents #SensoryFriendlyMagic #SupportForAutism #MrsSamHelps #PredictableRoutine #PeacefulParenting #structureissupport
If you’re feeling inspired, what’s one small change you could make to your mealtime environment this week? 

I’d love to hear what you try, let me know in the comments or send a message anytime. 

You’re doing wonderful work creating a space where your child can thrive. 💚

#SensoryProcessing #AutismAwareness #SensoryKids #OTforKids #ChildDevelopment #AutismSupport #SensoryFriendly
#OccupationalTherapy #ParentingAutism #SensoryPlay #AutismParenting #InclusiveParenting #OTActivities
#SensoryIntegration #SpecialNeedsParenting
#OTTips #AutismCommunity #SensorySeeking
#CalmingStrategies #AutismAcceptance #TherapeuticPlay #DailyLivingSkills
#SensoryDiet #RegulationStrategies
#ParentingNeurodivergent
#SensoryProcessingDisorder #LifeSkillsForKids #SpeechAndOT
#EmpoweredParenting
Florida is full of beauty and adventure, but for sensitive kids, even everyday outings can feel overwhelming. 

If you’ve ever cut a trip short or felt unsure how to help, you’re not alone. 

You’re doing such important work by noticing your child’s needs and taking steps to make the world feel a little safer for them. 

Every small adjustment you make is an act of love, and it matters more than you know. 

Does your child struggle with any of these things? 💚

#SensoryParenting #FloridaFamilies #PeacefulParenting #SensorySupport #RegulationTools #ParentingWithLove #OverstimulationAwareness #EmpoweredParenting #SensoryProcessing #calminthechaos