What Is Interoception and How Do Sensory Processing Differences Affect It in Autism?

PostedDecember 18, 2025

UpdatedDecember 18, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Interoception in autism refers to how the brain perceives internal body signals, such as hunger, thirst, pain, temperature, or the need to use the toilet. As a Sensory Processing difference, it affects an individual’s ability to recognise and interpret these signals, which can lead to confusion, distress, or difficulty meeting basic needs.

When interoception in autism is affected, a person might not realise they are hungry until they feel faint, or they may struggle to describe pain or discomfort. Others may misinterpret internal sensations entirely, confusing anxiety with illness, or failing to recognise when they are tired or overstimulated. This reduced internal awareness can impact emotional regulation, self-care, and communication.

Children with interoception in autism may also show heightened or muted responses to body signals, such as ignoring a full bladder or overreacting to mild sensations. Understanding and supporting interoceptive needs can improve both physical wellbeing and emotional health.

Common Symptoms of Interoception in Autism

Here are a few key signs of interoceptive differences and how to support them:

Unawareness of hunger, thirst, or the need to use the toilet

Individuals may miss early cues or report them only when the need is urgent. Using scheduled routines, visual supports, and sensory-based mindfulness can help build awareness of body signals.

Difficulty describing internal sensations

Struggling to explain feelings like pain, nausea, or emotional distress. Interoception-based interventions, such as body mapping and feeling charts, can strengthen internal awareness and emotional literacy.

Over- or under-reacting to bodily cues

Discomfort may lead to meltdowns, or discomfort may go unnoticed entirely. Occupational therapy and self-regulation strategies can improve interoceptive interpretation over time.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for advice on improving awareness of body signals and supporting internal awareness.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Sensory Processing Differences.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.