Interoception: The Eighth Sensory System

by Kelly Mahler

Within the human body lies an important sensory system called interoception. Interoception enables us to experience essential feelings such as hunger, fullness, thirst, itch, pain, body temperature, nausea, need for the bathroom, tickle, physical exertion and sexual arousal. Additionally, interoception allows us to feel our emotions.
As with other sensory systems, the interoceptive system can be impacted in individuals with autism. Interoception is a hot topic in other fields, however, up until this point, little has been discussed about interoception in the field of autism. Interoception: The Eighth Sensory System provides a detailed connection between interoception and common experiences of individuals with autism. "Mahler provides research and practical strategies that can be easily implemented across the lifespan to help individuals manage their bodies, emotions and self-regulation" (Brenda Myles, PhD).
The research showing just how important interoception is to many aspects of life is unequivocal.
Interoception: The Eighth Sensory delivers an overview of this research and describes the clear link between interoception and important skill areas such as self-awareness, self-regulation, problem solving, social intuition, perspective taking and many more.
"We all need to listen to our bodies and understand its messages. Mahler knows how to listen, and she knows how to help others listen better to their bodies. Here she shares her natural understanding of interoception and her recommendations for how we can help others to improve their own interoceptive awareness"(Dr. A.D. Craig, PhD)

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health

186 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2016

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique, well-researched, well-written book! I had no idea that interoception was so fundamental to emotional awareness, social skills, decision making, problem solving, self-regulation, etc. I am completely convinced that interoceptive awareness is THE missing link between self-regulation strategies (as taught in Alert Program, Zones of Regulation, etc.) and patients being able to utilize those strategies successfully. I'm so excited to try these techniques to improve interoceptive awareness in the kids/teens I work with!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for those seeking more in the realm of self-awareness without the technical terminology. Helpful for parents and guardians of neurodiverse children to guide a better understanding of sensory awareness and connectivity to the brain.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the activities provided and that it was a pretty straightforward read. I feel a lot of my clients would benefit from intervention focused on IA. Wish that it was a bit more technical and that the supplementals were either provided in electronic format or that the book was larger for easier transfer to printer paper though

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a clear explanation of interception and how it may show up in individuals, as well as practical activities that can be used/adapted to interoceptive awareness. I am currently completing my capstone project for my occupational therapy program, and this book as been an invaluable resource for my project.

[Walker Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise explanation and examination of the critical nature of the "8th sensory system." Kelly Mahler provides thorough evidence as to why OTs, counselors, mental health professionals, teachers, parents, etc. need to pay close attention to interoception when working with clients.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. Will need to try some of these activities

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting theroy. i wish it had more advice for how to combat it when our system feels too much.

[Sophia Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful and interesting book. Important piece of the puzzle for people struggling to identify emotions in their bodies.

[Kelly Elton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for those who support people with autism.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting. Can't wait to try it!