Autism Interoception Books
What is Interoception?
While most people are familiar with the five basic senses, touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing, the term interoception has only recently gained wider recognition.
Interoception is often referred to as the “eighth sensory system.” It allows individuals to perceive internal bodily sensations and interpret what those sensations mean. This critical sense helps us recognise and respond to signals from within our bodies, such as hunger, thirst, pain, or the need to use the bathroom.
Top Interoception Books for Autism
As an Autism specialist, I am frequently asked for book recommendations on various topics related to Autism and the Autistic experience. Interoception, a vital aspect of the Autistic experience, holds a unique connection to understanding sensory and emotional regulation.
With a comprehensive library of books on Autism and related topics, I carefully selected my top three books on interoception to ensure they are accessible and valuable for both parents and professionals.
Below, you will find my top three recommended books on interoception, offering practical insights and strategies to deepen your understanding of this critical area.
Essential Interoception Books: A Must-Read for Parents and Professionals
The Out Of Sync Child – Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A
One of the first books I purchased many years ago to deepen my understanding of sensory processing was The Out-of-Sync Child. To fully grasp interoception, it is essential to first build a strong foundation in sensory processing, making this book an excellent starting point.
Interoception – How I feel by Cara N. Koscinski, MOT, OTR/L
This book is particularly accessible for parents, offering numerous practical strategies to support their child. However, it is always advisable to consult with your child’s occupational therapist (OT) before implementing any new strategies related to their sensory processing.
Interoception The Eight Sensory System – Kelly Mahler, MS, OTR/L
I frequently recommend Kelly’s website and courses to parents, as she is an invaluable resource on interoception. Her expertise and up-to-date knowledge make her my go-to source for information in this area. Kelly offers exceptional trainings and curriculums, making her website well worth exploring. Her book is an excellent resource, accessible to both parents and professionals, and is packed with practical strategies and insightful advice.
Interoception and Toilet Training
Supporting Interoception Differences and Toileting: Neuroaffirmative Solutions for Autistic Individuals
Understanding interoception differences is key to addressing toileting challenges often experienced by Autistic individuals. By recognising how interoception impacts body awareness and toileting, we can create compassionate, tailored strategies to support Autistic children and adults in achieving toileting success.
In my new role at Flourish Autism Consultancy and Training, I provide specialised Autism Toileting Support Services, including one-on-one consultations, interactive webinars, and tailored training sessions for families, educators, and professionals. These services are designed to address sensory sensitivities, interoception challenges, and other unique factors affecting toileting.
If you’re navigating toileting challenges and need expert guidance, explore my services or reach out to learn how I can support you on this journey. Together, we can ensure a respectful, neuroaffirmative approach that meets your child’s individual needs.
“Interoceptive awareness can be described as the awareness of the inside of your body, including heart rate and breathing, combined with an awareness of emotions. – New research has shown that there is a definite link between interoceptive awareness and emotions as they relate to overall regulation, complex thinking, and sense of self”.
Cara N. KOSCINSKI, MOT, OTR/L www.thepocketot.com
References:
Craig, A. D. 2002. How do you feel? Interoception: the sense of the physiological condition of the body. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 3:655–66. doi: 10.1038/nrn894
Khalsa, S. S., Adolphs, R., Cameron, O. G., Critchley, H. D., Davenport, P. W., Feinstein, J. S., et al. 2018. Interoception and mental health: a roadmap. Biol. Psychiatry Cogn. Neurosci. Neuroimaging 3:501–13. doi: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2017.12.004
Murphy, J., Catmur, C., and Bird, G. 2019. Classifying individual differences in interoception: implications for the measurement of interoceptive awareness. Psychon. Bull. Rev. 26:1467–71. doi: 10.3758/s13423-019-01632-7
