Psychology Talk Podcast Interoception in Autism and Mental Health with Kelly Mahler, OTR
Nov 10, 2020
Join Kelly Mahler, a pediatric occupational therapist and author, as she dives deep into interoception's impact on autism and mental health. She shares how interoception plays a crucial role in self-regulation and emotional awareness, especially for individuals on the autism spectrum. Kelly explores common misdiagnoses linked to interoceptive difficulties and emphasizes the importance of mindful practices in understanding one's body sensations. Her insights shed light on fostering better emotional health through enhanced awareness and curiosity.
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Interoception in Autism and Mental Health
- Many autistic individuals experience interoception challenges, either under- or over-responsive to internal sensations.
- These challenges are also pervasive across all mental health diagnoses, not just autism.
Complex Interoception in Mental Health
- Anxiety and other disorders may reflect either over-responsiveness or under-responsiveness in interoception.
- The precise role of interoception in mental health is still debated and the field is in its infancy.
Use Curiosity to Assess Interoception
- Use curiosity to explore each client's unique experience of internal sensations.
- Start with open questions about bodily feelings related to emotions and physical states to guide personalized support.
