Understanding Interoception: Nurturing Healthy Body Awareness in Early Learners

Today we'll talk about interoception and early learners.
The early years, from birth to around five years old, are crucial for development, and the same applies to interoception-the development of our interoceptive sense.
While we still have much to learn about interoception's development, we do know that it is present at birth. Babies are aware of how their bodies feel, experiencing comfort and discomfort, which is part of interoception.
As infants interact with the world, their interoceptive system continually responds.
They may have comfortable or uncomfortable responses to different experiences, such as people, places, toys, or situations.
Through interoception, we learn about the world and form a foundation for self-regulation.
Over time, we discover what makes our bodies feel comfortable or uncomfortable, seeking comfort and avoiding discomfort for safety and protection. Our bodies are wired to respond to the world through this interoceptive sense.
Interoception is unique for each individual. What your body feels like when you're hungry or tired might differ from what someone else experiences.
Our interoceptive sense is shaped by our neurology, how we're wired from birth, as well as our lived experiences.
Researchers and I are working hard to discover the best strategies to nurture a healthy interoceptive experience from day one.
Here are a couple of brief tips to get you started.
#1: Use interoception talk or body talk.
Caregivers can vocalize their own bodily sensations during daily activities, such as commenting on how their hands feel warm when held or how their skin feels comfortable while cuddling.
This explicit interoceptive vocabulary emphasizes the importance of paying attention to these sensations. As the child grows, shift the curiosity to them.
#2: Practice body curiosity.
Get curious about the early learner's inner experience, even if they may not be ready to respond.
Make statements like, "I noticed you're crying. I wonder what's going on?" or "I see you're moving your body in a certain way. I wonder what that means."
Avoid labeling their experience, as we often get it wrong. Instead, maintain curiosity without expecting a response.
#3: Focus on inner validation.
When responding to young early learners, validate their inner experience.
For example, if a child falls and scratches their knee, instead of brushing it off and saying it's no big deal, acknowledge their crying and validate their feelings. Take the time to check the knee and say, "I see you're crying. Let me look at where you're hurt."
Shifting to a validating response shows the importance of listening to their bodies and that you're there to support them.
These tips are just a starting point. Remember, it's important to listen to the way our bodies feel and to teach early learners to do the same. I'll be back with more insights soon.
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More information at www.kelly-mahler.com
Check out some of our on-demand courses with some amazing co-presenters!
The Links Between Interoception, the Language of Emotion, and Human Connections: www.kelly-mahl...
Implementing a Neuro Affirming Model: Come Get Your Shift Together!: www.kelly-mahl...
Interoception Through the Lens of an Autistic Adult: www.kelly-mahl...
Unsafe, Unheard and Misunderstood: www.kelly-mahl...
Interoception and the Non-Speaking Client: www.kelly-mahl...
The 5 Keys to Behavior Regulation: How to Support ‘Challenging Behavior’ in a Kinder, More Effective Manner: www.kelly-mahl...
Autism and Eating Disorders: Dying to be Thin: www.kelly-mahl...
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[@mingle78]

Absolutely wonderful. I was told about you by my daughters OT when I couldn’t understand and map her reactions to certain people and situations. I unknowingly have been using your 3rd tip. When I accepted my daughters neurodiversity, I became curious myself and try to understand and gently ask her to explain her feelings. This has definitely helped her and will surely do for both neurotypical and neurodiverse children who are facing confusion. Keep posting. Thank you and God bless you x

[@KellyMahlerOT]

Thank you xxx