In this week’s episode, we’re diving into a fascinating and often overlooked area of ADHD: interoception. This is our ability to sense and interpret internal bodily signals like hunger, heartbeat, or emotional shifts. Understanding interoception is key to emotional regulation, self-awareness, and reconnecting with our bodies, especially for women with ADHD.
I’m joined by Caroline Williams, a science journalist and author, whose new book, Inner Sense, brings the emerging science of interoception to a mainstream audience. Caroline has written for The Times, The Telegraph, and The Guardian, and is a former feature editor at New Scientist. She’s also the author of Override and Move!, the latter named a New Scientist Book of the Year.
My new book, The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit, is OUT NOW!
What You'll Learn:
- What interoception is, and how it differs from exteroception and proprioception
- Why those with ADHD often struggle to regulate internal signals
- How tuning into bodily cues helps with decision-making, intuition, and reducing stress
- Caroline’s motivation for writing her book
- The role of the vagus nerve in interoception
- How affective touch (like gentle stroking) supports calming and connection
- How hypermobility may impact interoception and sensory regulation
- Why ADHD brains and bodies can respond more strongly to stress, and how this links to RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria)
- How to find compassion for your needs and gently support yourself through dysregulation
- The emerging conversation around GLP-1 medications, fullness, and potential ADHD applications
- Tools to strengthen interoception: body scans, exercise awareness, reminder apps, floatation tanks, and more.
Timestamps:
- 02:41 - Understanding The Science Behind Interoception
- 10:19 - Exploring Interoception and Its Impact on Mental Health
- 14:07 - The Importance of Interoception in Therapy
- 24:26 - Understanding The Difference Interoception Can Make
- 26:50 - Understanding Heart Sensitivity and Anxiety
- 34:33 - The Role of Interoception and Appetite Regulation
- 39:22 - The Impact of Interoception on Body Awareness
- 46:36 - The Power of Compassion when Navigating Neurodivergence
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or deep into your ADHD journey, this episode offers empowering insights into how listening to your body can become a powerful part of your emotional wellbeing.
Links and Resources: