ERIC Number: EJ1279101
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1941-1243
EISSN: N/A
An Interoception-Based Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
Hample, Kerri; Mahler, Kelly; Amspacher, Adam
Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools & Early Intervention, v13 n4 p339-352 2020
The ability to notice internal sensations such as tense muscles, a rumbling stomach, or heavy eyelids and translate these internal sensations into emotional meaning such as anger, hunger, and fatigue is an important skill called interoceptive awareness. Deficits in interoception have been discovered within many conditions including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), obesity, depression, trauma, and others. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a condensed, 8-week intervention based on "The Interoception Curriculum: A Guide to Developing Mindful Self-Regulation (IC) in children with ASD." Given the novelty of this intervention topic, an intentionally small pilot study was completed with eight autistic students, ages 6-13 years, enrolled in self-contained autism support classrooms. A significant increase in scores on an interoception measure were found as a result of the intervention. Interoception is hypothesized in the research as being foundational for emotional regulation and occupational performance. Therefore, these preliminary findings provide support for future, larger studies that examine the effectiveness of interoception-based interventions, such as the IC.
Descriptors: Sensory Experience, Perceptual Impairments, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Children, Intervention, Program Effectiveness, Early Adolescents, Self Contained Classrooms, Emotional Response, Sensory Training, Occupational Therapy
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A