What happens when emotions go silent....

At The Emotions Lab, we often talk about the big emotions, the explosive meltdowns, overwhelming anxiety, or deep sadness that many neurodivergent children experience. But what about when emotions, or even basic bodily needs, seem absent, muted, or unnoticed altogether? This is another side of the emotional spectrum we see in many of the children we support.

One key area that helps explain this is interoception, a sense that, while not widely known, is vitally important. Interoception is the brain's ability to sense and interpret signals from within the body, things like hunger, thirst, the need to go to the toilet, or even feeling tired. It also plays a role in emotional states like anxiety or excitement.

For some children, especially those who are neurodivergent, interoception is disrupted. This can manifest in many ways: a child who refuses to eat, not because they are being defiant, but because they simply don’t feel hunger the way others do. A child who wets the bed because their body doesn’t register the need to go to the toilet in time. Or a child who struggles to fall asleep because they can’t recognize their own tiredness cues. These challenges aren’t behavioural problems, they are sensory processing differences.

Importantly, interoception also affects emotional awareness. A child might appear visibly anxious, fidgeting, stimming, or moving constantly, but when asked how they feel, they may seem unsure or disconnected. Their body is reacting, but their brain isn’t making the connection. This disconnect can be deeply frustrating and confusing for both the child and the parent.

The good news is that there are gentle ways to support and nurture interoceptive awareness. We’ve found that body-based (or somatic) practices are particularly effective in calming the nervous system and helping to strengthen that vital body-brain connection. Simple practices like magnesium salt baths, EFT tapping, massage, or even cuddling a family pet can soothe the body, creating a space for emotional awareness to emerge.

In addition, incorporating exercises like gymnastics, dance or weight training can strengthen proprioception, the body’s sense of its own position and movement, further enhancing the child’s ability to tune into their body’s needs.

While this area is still under-researched, we believe that understanding and supporting interoception could make a huge difference for many families. Every child’s needs are unique, but with the right support, we can begin to bridge the gap between the body’s signals and the brain’s interpretation.

The Emotions Lab