The 8 Senses
We all know the 5 basic senses: Sight, Hearing, Tactile, Taste and Smell. But we actually have 8. What are the others?
Interoception: internal sense, such as hunger, thirst, pain, etc.
Proprioception: awareness of body position in space and applied force.
Vestibular: sense of movement and balance.
Interoception is their ability to register and interpret their own bodily states. This does not mean that they do not feel it, but that they have difficulty recording, processing and communicating emotional/body states.
Visual charts: visual cues as cards to identify emotions
Alarms/reminders: to remind people of basic self-care needs, such as eating and drinking
Bracelets such as fitbits, which help control sleep, anxiety, among others.
Breathing and meditation techniques: helps connect mind and body
Incorporating vestibular stimuli: the use of stim toys, trampolines or yoga balls, allows you to regulate the need for bodily stimuli. Yoga is very useful for body awareness, even for children.
Occupational therapy: there are appropriate techniques and scientific methods to help autistic children with interoception difficulties through occupational therapy
Other tools like a water bottle with the necessary daily dose of agua or apps that help us remember basic needs.