National Autistic Society

Interoception is an internal sensory system in which the physical and emotional states of the person are consciously or unconsciously noticed, recognised and responded to. For example:

• a person notices their stomach is rumbling and they have a pulling sensation in their abdomen
• they recognise this as signalling hunger
• they respond by eating something

Interoception skills are required for a range of basic and more advanced functions, such as knowing when to go to the toilet or being aware that you are becoming angry or upset.

Regardless of age, the development of interoception can slow down or even stop for autistic people. It is not known why this happens, although it may be due to a self-protection mechanism associated with trauma. Many autistic people experience trauma, and this may halt or lower their interoceptive awareness.

When people are experiencing mental health difficulties and/or overwhelmed with life, their interoceptive accuracy decreases significantly or disappears completely.  This may affect their ability to self-regulate and self-manage. Self-regulating is the ability to express emotions and feelings, appropriate to context. Self-management is the ability to respond helpfully to biological needs such as hunger and thirst.

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/interoception-wellbeing