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7 results for: "Interoception"

  • Interoception and sensory processing challenges

    Kids with sensory processing challenges have trouble managing everything their senses take in. The five traditional senses are sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. And some kids have challenges with the sixth and seventh senses: proprioception and the vestibular sense. There’s an eighth and lesser-known sense, too. It’s called interoception. Here’s what you need to know.What interoception isReceptors in your muscles and joints tell you where your body parts are. That’s the basis for your proprioceptive sense. It makes you aware of where your body is in space. When you take a step, for example, you know your foot is off the ground. You don’t have to think about it. Kids with poor proprioception have trouble with this.Interoception is a similar process. But the receptors are inside your organs, including your skin. They send information about the inside of the body to the brain. This regulates vital functions — like body temperature, hunger, thirst, digestion, and heart rate.Interoception helps you know and feel what’s going on inside your body. You can tell if your heart is beating fast or if you need to use the bathroom. You know if you’re hungry, full, hot, cold, thirsty, nauseated, itchy, or ticklish.The brains of kids with sensory processing challenges may have trouble making sense of all this. They may not be able to tell when they’re feeling pain or when their bladder is full. An itch may feel like pain, or pain may feel ticklish.Kids who struggle with the interoceptive sense can also have trouble “feeling” their emotions. They might not be tuned in to the body cues that help interpret and identify an emotion. That means that these kids may not “feel” fear. They don’t sense that their muscles are tense. Or that their breathing is shallow and their heart is racing. Interoception and self-regulationHaving trouble with this sense can also make it hard to self-regulate. When you’re able to tell that you’re thirsty, you know to take a drink. When you can feel that your bladder is full, you know to use the bathroom. When you feel a sense of frustration, you know to explain what’s going on. If this system doesn’t work well, kids may not know why they’re feeling off and can have meltdowns. Or they can’t regulate certain responses and may wet the bed. Kids with these struggles may not be able to identify the source of their discomfort. Reacting to interoceptive input with sensory processing challengesKids who are sensory seekers may crave interoceptive input. They may move quickly because breathing fast feels right to them. They may not eat or drink as much as other kids because being hungry and thirsty feels comfortable to them.But kids with sensory processing challenges can react in other ways, too. Some kids may:Find interoceptive input irritating. Kids who are hypersensitive to sensory input may overdo things. For instance, they may eat more than other kids so they don't feel hunger pangs. They may also use the bathroom more often because they don’t like the way a full bladder feels.Respond inappropriately to interoceptive input. Kids who are under-responsive to sensory input may not feel or respond to sensations when they should. For instance, they may take longer than other kids to learn to use the toilet. They may not eat as often as others because they may not feel hunger or thirst.Trouble with interoception isn’t as well known as other sensory processing challenges. But some experts think that mindfulness practices, sensory diets, and heavy work can help. Download a sample sensory diet. And learn more about when kids are sensory seeking and sensory avoiding.

  • ADHD Aha!

    ADHD and eating disorders

    In this bonus episode, Dr. Roberto Olivardia talks about the link between ADHD and eating disorders, and where people can turn for support. Dr. Roberto Olivardia returns show talk ADHD eating disorders bonus episode. explains different types eating disorders — ADHD eating disorders, like binge-eating disorder (BED), often co-occur. Dr. Olivardia shares ADHD symptoms like impulsivity play role eating disorders. also talks treatment options someone know struggling eating disorder needs support.Related resourcesFind support National Eating Disorders Association.And learn about:ADHD eating disordersADHD depressionEpisode transcriptLaura: Understood Podcast Network, "ADHD Aha!," podcast people share moment finally clicked someone know ADHD. name Laura Key. I'm editorial director Understood, someone who's ADHD "aha" moment, I'll host.I'm today Dr. Roberto Olivardia. Dr. Olivardia clinical psychologist who's based Massachusetts. He's also Understood expert host Season 2 "Understood Explains" podcast, ADHD diagnosis adults. voice sounds familiar you, that's guest recent episode show, we're thrilled us today talk ADHD eating disorders. Welcome.Dr. Roberto: Thank again.Laura: pleasure. much fun talk personal story talk something probably difficult listeners hear also important share information about. talk ADHD eating disorders, want get started asking, someone struggling eating disorder someone know struggling eating disorder, recommend turn to? do?Dr. Roberto: So, definitely seek professional help eating disorders obviously, mean, it's psychiatric psychological illness, it's also medical condition affects body lot physical ways lot mental ways. it's type condition very, difficult somebody navigate without professional help.And sad statistics 10% women eating disorders get help get treatment them. men, it's even far less. So, vastly undertreated. So, recommend could starting talk primary care physician referral. National Eating Disorders Association phenomenal organization treatment providers database, referrals helpful, local experts community specialize eating disorders. condition need working someone experience expertise working eating disorders.Laura: Thank much. we'll talk treatment little bit go on. felt important start that. Don't cope alone. Get support need. basic definition eating disorder?Dr. Roberto: So, terms clinical diagnoses eating disorders, three four main ones. So, one anorexia nervosa, characterized severe restriction caloric intake, often results weight loss undernourishment, someone less nutrition body really needs, result whole host different adverse consequences body. It's often coupled distortion body image number people might see looking larger actually are.You bulimia nervosa, characterized binge eating episodes somebody consuming large amount calories one would typically consume short period time, sometimes point feeling sick sometimes even passing eating much. bulimia, it's coupled compensating behaviors like self-induced vomiting, laxative use, fasting, overexercise too, attempt neutralize calories, although doesn't actually that, talk that.And binge eating disorder, binge episodes, without compensating behaviors.And eating disorder conditions. One avoidant, restrictive food intake disorder ARFID, refers to, could similar characteristics symptoms anorexia, perhaps body image component.So, eating disorders don't always body image component people distortion dissatisfaction weight. could dysregulation food food intake. So, DSM would see disorders.But there's would call disordered eating. could come whole host different fashions dysregulated eating, poor relationship food, people might eat healthily per se, self-talk around eating negative damaging. So, somebody who, let's say, particularly underweight overweight, every time eat cookie, call pig. That's good psyche. So, although medically might issue, psychologically there's issue terms they're relating food bodies lot ways.So, see sort whole host. So, think it's really important one reasons actually people often likely get treatment think, "Oh, eating disorder somebody 80 pounds somebody 500 pounds somebody vomiting eat." come whole host different flavors.At end day, you're somebody dysregulated, negative relationship food, eating, body image, fit umbrella warrants treatment.Laura: people ADHD likely eating disorder? so, why?Dr. Roberto: always start by, it's important understand ADHD affects every life domain. So, think core ADHD terms executive functioning issues impulsivity, things actually every day kind things likely impacted ADHD.So, episode previously sleep ADHD. People ADHD often issues sleep. Eating another one. higher prevalence now, particularly binge eating disorder bulimia nervosa, ARFID, category sort dysregulated relationship, less anorexia. don't see strong correlation anorexia ADHD. often find co-morbidity anorexia likely people OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder.Having said that, worked patients ADHD anorexia. primarily would call impulsive eating disorders like bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID category might rely people ADHD either drawn defensive certain tastes textures.So, people ADHD? Well, studies show know ADHD brain there's dopamine deficit, basically, dopamine neurochemical that's implicated reward. food stimulating, highly rewarding mechanism ADHD brain. mind you, people binge eat, people impulsively eat, they're kale carrots. time, foods people ADHD drawn, people eating disorders, general, drawn to, high sugar, high simple carb type foods. particularly rewarding ADHD brain. So, it's accessible, it's easy, it's legal.So, things people ADHD could use reward, soothe, self-medicate, distract negative emotions, also impulsivity alone. study done kids ADHD ages 10 14 food lab. group kids ADHD, kids without, screen beforehand level hunger, preferences food, basically let kind be. food available them. observed much ate, eat that.And afterwards, study showed that, even controlling bunch variables, kids ADHD ate kids without ADHD. interesting eating nothing level hunger, so, pre-level hunger nothing volume much kids ADHD ate. Kids without ADHD, level hunger correlated much ate. also kids ADHD even eat foods didn't even really like. asked said there. simply there.And sort joke, it's joke. mean, ADHD myself, could see-food diet see it, eat it. so, sometimes it's simple that. Sometimes, mean, patients work with, ADHD, don't hate bodies. might deep, dark things they're self-medicating. issue simply food there. It's available them.Laura: Right. remember interviewed personal story mentioned Chuck E. Cheese incident baffled how — friend relative? — able say, "I’m hungry anymore, I'm going piece pizza."Dr. Roberto: Absolutely. eat too, eat healthily, requires us tune what's called interoceptive awareness, know people eating disorders people ADHD low interoceptive awareness, tuning hunger cues, satiety

  • 4 ways sensory challenges impact movement

    Kids with sensory processing challenges struggle with information that comes in through the senses. These include the five senses we typically think of: sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. But they also include three other senses. And kids can have trouble with them, too.One of these senses, called proprioception, controls body awareness. It lets you know where parts of your body are and what they’re doing. For example, try raising your hand as if you’re going to answer a question. You know your hand is above your head, not straight in front of you, even though you can’t see it.Another sense controls balance and spatial awareness. This is called the vestibular sense. It lets you know where your whole body is in space and helps keep you stable and upright. When kids don’t process that information, it can make them feel off-balance and out of control.There’s also a sense called interoception that lets you understand and feel what’s going on in your body. Kids who struggle with this sense have trouble knowing when they feel hungry, full, hot, cold, or thirsty. Or that it’s time to head to the bathroom.Learn about four common ways sensory challenges can affect movement in kids.1. They may seem awkward and clumsy. Activities like running or even going up and down stairs may be hard for kids who don’t have a strong awareness of their movements. They may move slowly or avoid activities that are too challenging.2. They may not know their own strength. Imagine you’re at the fridge, getting out a carton of juice you think is full — but it’s actually empty. You may jerk the carton up or even drop it because you used more muscles than you needed.Sensory-related difficulties can make it tough to know the right amount of force to use for all kinds of tasks. Kids may break the pencil point because they’re writing too hard. Or they might rip a page when they just meant to turn it. Or give hugs that are too tight.3. They may not like physical activities that other kids find fun. For example, they may not feel safe on the swings because they’re not getting the sensory input that tells them they’re securely seated. As the swing moves, it makes them feel scared.4. They may be in constant motion, bump into things, or seem out of control. Some kids don’t get enough feedback from the sensory system. They can crave more activity and sometimes do things that aren’t safe.When they walk down a hallway, they may knock into the wall to feel more anchored. They may kick their legs under their desk for the same reason. In the classroom, they might run instead of walk and bump into classmates a lot.Sensory challenges can affect movement in other ways, too. If kids are uncomfortable touching things, they may be reluctant to play with and manipulate objects. This can slow down the development of fine motor skills and gross motor skills.There are lots of ways to help with sensory challenges. Learn about occupational therapy. Explore strategies you can try at home.  And get tips to manage sensory meltdowns. 

  • 8 common myths about sensory processing challenges

    There’s greater awareness of sensory processing challenges than ever before. But there’s also a lot of confusion. Kids who struggle with things like bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells are often misunderstood. Here are eight common myths about sensory processing challenges, and the facts that debunk them. Myth #1: There’s no such thing as sensory processing challenges. Fact: It’s true that there’s no formal diagnosis of “sensory processing challenges.” And there’s debate over the terms sensory processing disorder and sensory integration disorder. But that doesn’t mean these struggles aren’t real. Doctors and other specialists know that some people have a hard time managing sensory input. Occupational therapists even create treatment plans for sensory challenges. Myth #2: Kids with sensory processing challenges are sensitive to everything. Fact: There are two types of sensory processing challenges. Many kids experience a mix of the two. Some kids are oversensitive (or hypersensitive) to information that comes in through their senses. They may be overwhelmed by certain noises or sensations. But kids can also be undersensitive (or hyposensitive). This causes kids to be sensory-seeking. They look for more sensory stimulation. These kids may show little or no reaction to heat, cold, pain, and other sensations. Kids might be oversensitive in some areas and undersensitive in others. This can make it hard for parents to understand their child’s challenges. Myth #3: Kids with sensory processing challenges are overreacting. Fact: Kids with sensory processing challenges may seem fussy. It may look like they get upset for no reason. But they’re reacting to things that may not be as noticeable to others. Some kids may get agitated in a restaurant because of a specific smell. Or at the mall because of a type of sound. They might refuse to wear certain clothing or brush their hair because it feels painful. For these kids, trying to manage certain sensations can lead to a sensory meltdown or shutting down. Myth #4: Sensory processing challenges only impact five senses. Fact: We often only think about five senses — sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. But there are other senses, too. The sixth and seventh senses control body awareness (proprioception) and balance and spatial orientation (the vestibular sense). Kids with sensory challenges in these areas may struggle with motor skills. There’s an eighth and lesser-known sense, too. It’s called interoception. It helps you understand and feel what’s going on inside your body. Kids who struggle with this may have trouble interpreting things like pain or the physical signs of emotion (like their heart racing in fear). Myth #5: Kids with sensory processing challenges just need to “toughen up.” Fact: These kids have brains that work differently. Telling a child to “toughen up” isn’t going to change that. Kids with sensory processing challenges may need a little extra support or accommodations to help them manage a world that can feel very overwhelming. Myth #6: Kids with sensory processing challenges lack self-control. Fact: Sensory processing challenges can make it harder for kids to respond the same way other kids do. That may look like a lack of self-control. But it’s an in-the-moment response, not a lack of self-control. For instance, a child who is sensitive to noise may try to run away if someone turns on a hair dryer. It’s the same kind of instant reaction you might have when you yank your hand away from an open flame. They may bump into people because of motor skills challenges. Or they may crash into things or fidget with objects when they seek out sensations. Myth #7: Sensory processing challenges are a form of autism spectrum disorder. Fact: Sensory challenges are sometimes a symptom of autism. But people can have trouble with sensory processing without having autism spectrum disorder. There are overlapping symptoms between autism and learning and thinking differences. Some kids have both. Read about one mom’s struggle to figure out if her son’s sensory challenges are related to his ADHD, to his autism, or to both. Myth #8: “Sensory processing challenges” is just another name for ADHD. Fact: ADHD and sensory processing challenges have some things in common. Fidgeting, struggling with personal space, and sensory overload are common for both. But there are key differences between ADHD and sensory issues. Not all kids with ADHD have sensory challenges. And not all kids with sensory challenges have ADHD. The more you know about these challenges, the more you can help other people understand them, too. Get tips for talking to your child’s teacher about sensory processing challenges. Read what one dad wants people to know about parenting a child with sensory processing challenges.

  • Understanding sensory processing challenges in your child

    If your child has strong reactions to tastes, sounds, or the feel of certain items, you may wonder why this happens. For instance, why are new shoes so unbearable that your child yells and pulls them off? What makes the supermarket so overwhelming that even a quick trip leads to a meltdown?When kids have outbursts or get upset by things in the environment, it’s often because of sensory processing challenges. (Some people use the term sensory processing disorder.) Their brains have trouble managing the information that comes in from the senses. That includes the five main senses: taste, smell, sound, touch, and sight. It also includes three senses that impact body and space awareness and movement.What are sensory processing challenges? There are two types of sensory challenges, and many kids have both. The most common type is oversensitivity. Kids get overwhelmed by the information that comes in through their senses. (This is called sensory overload.) And they try to avoid sensations that they can’t tolerate. Common triggers include:Scratchy clothingCertain textures of foodLoud noisesBright or flickering lightsThe other type of sensory challenge is undersensitivity. With this type, kids don’t get enough input from the environment. So, they seek more sensory stimulation.Kids with these challenges don’t always have the same reaction to input. They may be oversensitive to some sensations and undersensitive to others. Their reactions can also change based on where they are and what’s going on around them.Sensory processing challenges aren’t a diagnosis on their own. But they often co-occur with two conditions: ADHD and autism. Sensory challenges may also co-occur with anxiety.Dive deeperLearn more about sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding behavior. Learn about sensory processing challenges and anxiety. Signs of sensory processing challengesThe signs you might see depend on two things. The first is the trigger — the sensory input that’s overwhelming your child. The second is the type of sensory challenge your child has.Sensory avoidingKids who are sensory avoiding may have extreme reactions to a wide range of triggers. The overload they feel can lead to sensory meltdowns. Here are some signs you might see in your child:Is easily overwhelmed by people and placesSeeks out quiet spots in noisy, crowded environmentsIs easily startled by sudden noisesIs bothered by bright lightRefuses to wear itchy or otherwise uncomfortable clothingAvoids touching people or hugging themHas a strong reaction to the texture or smell of certain foodsRefuses to try new foods and has a very limited diet of preferred foodsGets upset about small changes in routine and transitioning from one activity or environment to anotherAvoids trying new thingsSensory seekingKids who are sensory seeking often have a need for movement. They may seek out input like spicy or sour tastes and physical contact and pressure. Here are other signs you might see:Constantly touches objectsPlays roughly and takes physical risksHas a high tolerance for painOften squirms and fidgetsIs constantly on the moveInvades other people’s personal spaceOften gets distracted or feels anxiousIs clumsy and uncoordinatedDive deeperSee a day in the life of a child with sensory processing challenges.Read an expert’s explanation of “sensory overload.” Trouble with other sensesSensory information isn’t limited to the traditional five senses. There are three other senses that kids can also struggle with. The first is called interoception. This sense helps us understand and feel what’s going on in our bodies. Kids who have trouble with this sense may have a harder time with toilet training or have an unexpected threshold for pain.The second of these senses is body awareness (proprioception). And the third is spatial awareness (the vestibular sense). Trouble with these senses can sometimes affect movement. Finding out if your child has sensory processing challengesThere are a few tests that can help identify sensory processing challenges. They include checklists like the Sensory Profile or the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM). Some therapists are also trained in the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI).But the behaviors that come with these challenges are very visible and clear without testing. It’s important to observe your child and take notes to share with professionals. They can more accurately tell you what’s behind the behaviors.The professionals who often identify sensory challenges are occupational therapists (OTs). They also work with kids who have them. Other professionals who may identify challenges:PediatriciansDevelopmental-behavioral pediatriciansPsychologists, including neuropsychologistsSchool evaluatorsPhysical therapists and speech therapistsSupports and treatment for sensory processing challengesThere are no medications for sensory processing challenges. But OTs help kids find ways to be less overwhelmed by sensory input. For instance, they might create what’s called a sensory diet. This is a tailored plan of physical activities. It helps kids learn to calm themselves and regulate their behavior and emotions. And that makes them more open to learning and socializing.Here are some things that might be included in a sensory diet:Jumping jacksRolling a therapy ball on a child’s back while the child is lying downPush-upsHopping up and downClimbing ladders and going down slidesSome of these activities are heavy work, a type of activity that pushes or pulls against the body and can be calming for many kids.Kids with sensory challenges may also be able to get help at school. They might be able to get OT services or accommodations through a 504 plan. (If your child has an IEP for another reason, it could include accommodations for sensory challenges, too.) Classroom accommodations or supports to help kids with sensory processing challenges might include:Allowing your child to take exercise breaks to self-regulateProviding a quiet space to work or earplugs for noise sensitivityTelling your child ahead of time about a change in routineSeating your child away from doors, windows, or buzzing lightsAllowing your child to use a fidgetDive deeperLearn the steps for getting a 504 plan for your child. Get tips for talking with your child’s teacher about sensory challenges. Ways to help your child manage the challengesDealing with the unexpected behaviors that come with sensory challenges can be hard on the whole family. But once you know what’s causing them, it gets easier to know how to help. There are lots of strategies you can use at home and on the go:Get strategies for avoiding travel meltdowns. Explore sensory-friendly indoor activities.Find out how to observe patterns in your child’s behavior.It’s important to find support for yourself, too. Join our Wunder community to connect and share strategies with other parents. 

  • How I Use Football Sundays to Reinforce Math Concepts

    It’s first period, Monday morning, and I’ve written a math problem on the board. But in front of me is a room full of blank stares and lowered heads.I’ve got to get this class motivated, so I look to one of the students in the last row. “Hey Sally,” I ask, “did you watch the Giants game yesterday?”“No, I’m a Jets fan. They’re way better.”Another student, Sam, pipes up, “The Patriots are the best. They have Tom Brady.”A few other kids chime in, throwing out their favorite teams. This goes on for a minute or two. Then I turn back to Sally and ask, “What was the score of the Jets game?”“27–14. They beat the Dolphins.”“Was it a close game?”I get puzzled looks, but at least the whole class is looking at me now.“No way! They won by 13, it was a blowout,” scoffs Sally.Another student raises his hand, “Two more touchdowns and the Dolphins would have won. The quarterback threw an interception that should’ve been a touchdown.”“Well, what did the Dolphins need to do in order to tie the game? A few field goals?”Heads pop up. Now I’ve got their attention.I start by writing on the board all the ways to score in football, and how many points a team gets for each: 6 for a touchdown, 3 for a field goal, 2 for a safety, and 1 (extra point kick) or 2 (scoring on a run or pass) for a conversion after a touchdown.Excited, the students start discussing how the game could have been tied by the Dolphins. After a bit of back and forth, they agree that a touchdown, an extra point and two field goals is the best solution to tie the game. (6 + 1 + 3 + 3 = 13 points.) Though a field goal and five safeties would have been cool to see. (3 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 13 points.)If you have a child who struggles with math, one thing you can do is connect math to his everyday life and interests. That real-world connection can get your child excited and engaged in learning.Football is one of my favorite ways to motivate kids because there’s literally a new, fun math problem on every play. If you watch a game with your child, you can use this to your advantage. Ask questions about score changes, yards gained or lost, time remaining, and so on. You’re not solving problems on a worksheet. This is a chance to be the coach or the announcer and analyze the game, all while reinforcing math concepts.Want to try it out? Here are a few of my favorite conversation starters to get the football math flowing:Situation #1: The score is Giants 17, Dolphins 21. There’s only enough time for the Giants to run one more play. Should the Giants go for a touchdown or kick a field goal?Situation #2: So far in the game, the Giants running back has run for 75 yards on 8 carries. How many yards does the running back need to get to 100?Situation #3: The Dolphins are on their own 35-yard line. How many yards are they from scoring a touchdown?And my personal favorite—The Giants are on the Dolphins’ 30-yard line and setting up for a field goal. Why is the announcer saying it’s a 48-yard field goal?Feel free to use your favorite teams with any of these examples.For more ideas on how to help your child with math, read about afterschool activities that sneak math into your child’s day.Any opinions, views, information and other content contained in blogs on Understood.org are the sole responsibility of the writer of the blog, and do not necessarily reflect the views, values, opinions or beliefs of, and are not endorsed by, Understood.

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