Published · 12 November 2026
Have you ever heard the term interoception? Most people have not, and yet it shapes how we notice and respond to our bodies every day.
Interoception is the internal sense that helps you notice hunger, thirst, pain, and more. Learn how it works, why it can be harder for neurodivergent adults, and how an OT can help.
What is interoception?
Most of us learned about the big five senses at school: taste, smell, sight, sound, and touch. Interoception goes further. It is our collection of internal senses, the ones that help us perceive what is happening inside the body.
Interoception can include:
Noticing hunger and thirst cues
Knowing when it is time to go to the bathroom
Detecting pain, whether it sits deep in the organs or closer to the muscles and bones
Being aware of your breath, your heart rate, and your temperature
Interoception and neurodivergent adults
Research suggests that more than 75% of neurodivergent adults experience some degree of difficulty with interoception. This can look different from person to person.
Some people have a very low threshold for sensation, which means they notice every small change quickly. Others have a high tolerance, and a body signal may not reach their attention until it has become quite extreme.
Both experiences are valid, and both can make daily life more tiring than it needs to be.
When hyperfocus meets missed body signals
For people with ADHD, hyperfocus can add another layer. Imagine working hard on a project at your desk. You are not choosing to ignore your body, and your attention is simply fully absorbed. The signals that say you need a drink, a snack, or a toilet break may slip past unnoticed.
By the time you surface, your body can be in a much higher state of discomfort. You might notice a tremor because your glucose has dropped, or you might feel "hangry", where your emotions feel bigger and harder to manage because your physical needs waited too long.
This is a very human response, and it gives us useful information about what your body has been trying to say.
Interoception and putting words to feelings
Some people also find it hard to interpret their emotions and body sensations, and to find words for what they feel. This often sits alongside interoception differences. Working out what a cue looks and feels like in your own body is a skill, and skills can be developed with support.
What can help?
Interoception can grow with practice. Supports may include:
Unpacking your cues: exploring what hunger, thirst, tension, or tiredness actually feel like for you
Building mindfulness and attention skills: gently tuning in to your body throughout the day
Developing self-modulation: checking in with yourself regularly and adjusting as you go
Support is available
If any of this sounds familiar and you would like some help, working with an occupational therapist can be a good place to begin. We can explore your body's signals together, at a pace that feels right for you.
Ready to take the next step? Book online or call Wise Mind OT on (08) 9304 1011.
