The Interoception Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Mindful Self-Regulation by Kelly Mahler

Interoception is the ability to notice and connect bodily sensations with emotions. Research states that interoception is an important factor to the development of effective self-regulation skills within children, teens, and adults.

Many people who experience challenges with self-regulation have underlying interoception challenges. These interoceptive differences are very common in a variety of individuals including those with autism, trauma disorders, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, depression and behavioral challenges. Some clients may experience interoceptive signals that are so strong, they are immediately overwhelmed and confused. Others experience dulled or muted interoception signals, that leave them unable to respond to emotions until they reach a fever pitch.This can lead to significant difficulties with emotional regulation and managing challenging behavior.

While traditional self-regulation approaches focus on teaching clients what to do to regulate feelings of anxiety, frustration, overwhelm, etc., these approaches are often ineffective for people with impaired interoception, such as someone diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety disorder or that has a history of trauma. How can you be taught to regulate or control something you are not aware of or do not understand?

The good news is that interoceptive and emotional awareness within children, teens, and adults can be improved over time, with the right instruction and supports. In The Interoception Curriculum, Kelly Mahler outlines a systematic, guided process that professionals can use to develop and build interoceptive awareness in their clients using evidenced-based principals.