Why Should I Concern Myself About Interoceptors? (click title to read)

I have been a therapist for over 40 years. I have used the principles of sensory integration and focused on not just the impact of tactile, vestibular, and proprioception input but the contribution of visual, gustatory, and olfactory inputs. Over the past several years, I have turned my attention to interoceptors and their impact on children’s behaviors, especially those with ASD and anxiety disorders. I have worked with several children with ASD, who became extremely distressed to the point where they were self-injurious. Once we addressed some of the GI issues and rashes the behaviors diminished. This was also true with a child who had Chronic Vomiting Syndrome. In addition, I have had several children who have anxiety disorders and have used the principles of relaxation therapy and increased awareness of what was going on physiologically to dimmish the adverse effects of anxiety. One of the strategies I developed was an audio using progressive relaxation and the imagery of “The Magic School Bus” traveling inside the body to make the student more aware of the physiological changes that occur with stress. Recently, it has also come to my attention that there is a condition called “rumination syndrome” which reportedly has an emotional/anxiety component. Therefore, I believe this strategy along with other relaxation strategies focusing on the interoceptors can help. Increased awareness of  their physiology responses will allow them to use relaxation strategies before it their anxiety causes a more significant adverse response. In closing, we need to evaluate all the sensory systems, both external and internal in order to develop an effective treatment plan. I will be covering all of these concepts and more in my webinar coming this September 16th 2022. https://bit.ly/3bjHodd