AuDHD and Interoception: The Role of the 8th Sense
The role of interoception differences in the AuDHD nervous system, emotional regulation, and lack of bodily awareness.
What Is Interoception?
Interoception is the sense that allows us to perceive and interpret the internal state of our body, going far beyond the traditional five senses. It is our brain's control center for understanding "what is happening inside us"—including heart rate, respiration, hunger, fullness, thirst, temperature, and pain. According to Dr. Daniel Siegel, interoception does not only ensure physical survival; it also serves as a fundamental building block for emotional awareness and the construction of personal boundaries.
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AuDHD and Interoception Differences
In individuals with AuDHD (the co-occurrence of Autism and ADHD), interoception processes typically diverge significantly from neurotypical standards. This divergence usually manifests in two opposite ways:
1. Hypo-Interoception (Under-feeling): The individual notices bodily signals very late or not at all. For example, they might only realize their bladder is full when it becomes extremely urgent; they might not feel thirst until they experience dizziness from dehydration; or they might completely miss hunger cues, leading to a sudden drop in blood sugar and an unexpected emotional outburst (being "hangry") at the end of the day.
2. Hyper-Interoception (Over-feeling): A minor increase in heart rate or a slight stomach rumble can be perceived as a panic attack or a serious medical issue, triggering intense anxiety.
This lack of gradual bodily awareness is the main culprit behind sudden sensory meltdowns in AuDHD. Because the individual does not feel their nervous system gradually tensing up, the eventual explosion seems to arrive "out of nowhere."
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Sensory and Somatic Support Strategies
When living with interoception differences, trying to force your mind to focus on bodily signals can be exhausting. Instead, establishing external "scaffolding" is the most effective approach:
Cognitive Anchor Alarms: Rather than relying on internal bodily signals, set alarms throughout the day for hydration, stretching, and bladder checks.
Somatic Regulation: When the nervous system is overloaded, use deep touch pressure (like a weighted blanket or vest) to somatically remind the brain of the body's physical boundaries.
Temperature Shifts: Utilize sudden physical stimuli, such as taking a warm shower or splashing cold water on your face, to help regulate internal states.