Autism and Interoception

Interoception is part of the broader sensory system, even though it is less visible than sight or hearing. The interoception sensory system continuously monitors internal bodily states and sends this information to the brain for interpretation.

Interoception works closely with other sensory systems, particularly proprioception. Interoception and proprioception are often discussed together because proprioception helps a person understand where their body is in space, while interoception helps them understand how their body feels internally. Together, these systems support coordinated movement, emotional regulation, and bodily self-awareness.

Because interoceptive signals are internal, differences in the interoceptive senses are often misunderstood, especially in neurodevelopmental conditions.

Research suggests that interoception in autism may function differently compared to neurotypical processing. These differences do not look the same in every individual, but they commonly involve challenges with detecting, interpreting, or responding to internal body signals.

In autism, interoceptive signals may be muted, delayed, inconsistent, or overwhelming. This variability helps explain why the relationship between interoception and autism is complex and highly individualized. Some autistic individuals may not notice internal sensations until they become intense, while others may experience internal sensations very strongly but struggle to understand what those sensations mean.

These patterns are central to understanding autism interoception and how internal sensory processing shapes everyday experiences.

Interoception plays a critical role in autism body awareness. When internal signals are unclear or difficult to interpret, a person may experience body awareness problems, including a lack of body awareness.

For individuals with body awareness autism challenges, it may be difficult to recognize physical discomfort, fatigue, hunger, or stress until those sensations become overwhelming. This does not reflect inattentiveness or avoidance; rather, it reflects differences in how the brain processes internal sensory information.

Over time, these challenges can affect self-care, emotional regulation, and communication of physical needs, particularly in children who may not yet have the language to describe internal sensations.

Emotional experiences are closely linked to the body. Changes in heart rate, breathing, muscle tension, and gut activity all contribute to how emotions are felt and understood. For this reason, interoception plays a central role in emotional awareness.

When internal sensations are difficult to interpret, emotions may feel sudden, intense, or confusing. In autism, this can affect emotional regulation, stress responses, and the ability to identify or label feelings. What may appear externally as anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal often reflects difficulty processing internal bodily cues rather than emotional disinterest.

Understanding this connection is essential when examining interoception in autism from a sensory and neurological perspective.

Differences in interoceptive processing can influence many aspects of daily life.

Eating and drinking may be affected when hunger or fullness cues are unclear. Some individuals may not feel hungry until energy levels drop significantly, while others may experience discomfort without being able to identify its source. Similarly, recognizing thirst can be difficult, leading to inconsistent hydration.

Interoception-related toileting challenges in autism are also common. The internal cues that signal the need to use the bathroom may be delayed, subtle, or confusing, which can affect both children and adults. These experiences are sensory-based and should not be interpreted as intentional or behavioral.

Pain and illness awareness may also differ. Some autistic individuals may not recognize pain or physical illness early, while others may experience strong internal sensations that are difficult to describe or localize.

It is important to note that interoception therapy does not refer to a medical treatment. Instead, it describes supportive, educational approaches commonly used in occupational therapy and developmental support.

Interoception training or interoceptive training focuses on helping individuals become more aware of their internal body signals and build language around those sensations. Similarly, interoception exercises and interoception activities for autism are designed to support awareness and regulation rather than change neurological differences.

An interoception assessment conducted by trained professionals can help identify how an individual experiences internal sensations and guide appropriate supportive strategies.

Growing interest in interoception reflects a broader shift toward understanding autism through biological and sensory frameworks. Research into metabolism, sensory processing, and neurodevelopment continues to expand knowledge of how internal systems influence behavior and daily functioning.

Tools such as FRAT^® support scientific investigation into neurological and developmental conditions by identifying folate receptor autoantibodies (FRAAs), which are associated with cerebral folate deficiency in some individuals with ASD.

While interoception research and FRAAs testing address different biological pathways, both reflect the movement toward a precision-based understanding of autism.