Connecting the Dots: Interoception and Social–Emotional Communication

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explore the complex relationships between interoceptive awareness, which is known to underlie emotional awareness and self-regulation and appears to have significant implications for social cognition and social–emotional communication development. Method: We review research from related fields such as autism, psychology, neuroscience, and occupational therapy to define the concepts of interoception, interoceptive awareness (IA), emotional awareness, and self-regulation. We also explore the role of these skills as prerequisites for higher level executive function and possible implications for social and emotional communication development. We then discuss how limited IA may impact individuals with concomitant social communication needs. Finally, we discuss implications for assessment and intervention. Conclusions: Recent research suggests that an individual's IA is associated with emotional awareness, self-regulation, and social cognition. As such, interoception and IA may be of clinical significance for speech-language pathologists supporting individuals with social cognition and communication differences. Identifying individuals who demonstrate concomitant social–emotional communication difficulties and IA difficulties may be an important assessment consideration for developing appropriate social communication interventions.