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The Interoception Curriculum:

Building Co-Regulation skills in schools

Created by Kelly Mahler

While the Interoception Curriculum is beneficial for all students, it may be particularly helpful for:

  • Autistic students (ASD)
  • Individuals with ADHD
  • Those experiencing anxiety
  • Students with a history of trauma
  • Any student struggling with emotional regulation or self-awareness

The Interoception Curriculum helps learners to co-regulate by teaching students to:

Notice body signals

Connect body signals to emotions

Take action to feel comfortable

3-Step Framework:

1

Body Awareness (Lessons 1-16)

Learn to notice and describe signals from different body parts.

2

Emotion Connection (Lessons 17-20)

Link body signals to emotions through daily practice.

3

Action & Regulation (Lessons 21-25)

Identify and use personalized strategies to promote well-being.

This curriculum supports existing co-regulation programs and helps learners develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and actions.

Question for Discussion:

  1. How can you use the Interoception Curriculum to help your students?
  1. Can you think of any students who might benefit from this curriculum? Who are they?
  1. Who should you talk to at your school about using this curriculum?
  1. What problems might you face when trying to use this curriculum at your school?
  1. How can the Interoception Curriculum work with other programs your school already uses?
  1. How can you use parts of the Interoception Curriculum in your daily activities?
  1. How will you know if the Interoception Curriculum is helping your students?

Implementing the Interoception Curriculum

To implement the Interoception Curriculum in your school:

  1. Consult with student services and school administration: Discuss the potential benefits and implementation strategies.
  1. Collaborate with resource teachers and ESS coordinators : They may have insights into students who could particularly benefit from this approach.
  1. Engage with divisional clinicians: Their expertise in emotional and behavioral support can be valuable in implementing the curriculum.
  1. Reach out to occupational therapists: speak with your school OT, they are familiar with interoception-based approaches and will be thrilled to collaborate with you!