Unlock the hidden world of interoception: an often overlooked sense that impacts how neurodivergent individuals understand their own bodies and emotions. If you’ve ever wondered why recognizing hunger, thirst, or even pain feels so elusive, this episode reveals the surprising truth behind this vital yet misunderstood sense. Join Helen Neale, a therapist with lived experience of autism and ADHD, and Diane, an educator and foster carer, as they explore how interoception influences everyday life: from basic needs like eating and drinking to managing emotions and pain. Discover why neurodivergent brains often miss these signals, leading to challenges in self-care, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing. They share eye-opening stories about children and teens in trauma, revealing how survival mode can disconnect someone from their body's cues, and what that means for caregivers and professionals. You’ll learn about concrete frameworks and tactics to support interoceptive awareness, including tips for recognizing subtle signs of hunger or distress before they escalate. We break down the implications of ignored signals, such as dehydration, hypoglycemia, or emotional overwhelm, and how they can be mistaken for stubbornness, mood swings, or defiance. This episode explores how missing these cues impacts mental health, learning, and daily functioning, emphasising the critical need for understanding and embracing interoception in neurodivergent support.Why does this matter? Because when you grasp how interoception shapes behavior and emotion, you unlock the potential for more compassionate, effective care whether you’re supporting children, teens, or adults navigating the complexities of neurodivergence. This episode is essential listening for professionals, parents, and neurodivergent individuals alike who want to decode their body's signals and foster greater self-awareness and wellbeing.If you’re tired of misunderstood behaviors and want practical insights into one of the most overlooked senses, tune in now. Your journey to better self-understanding starts here.

Connect with:
Diane: Olive Branch Consulting

Helen: Neurodivergent Nook

Come join us on social media too:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok