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Summer is here—and with the heat, play, and sunshine comes a unique challenge for kids (and adults!) who struggle with interoception. In this episode, we explore what interoception is and why it’s so important to pay attention during the summer months. We discuss how challenges like dehydration, overheating, and sun sensitivity can affect children with sensory needs and how parents and caregivers can better support them through practical strategies, products, and daily routines.
We also share actionable tips for boosting interoceptive awareness, from mindfulness exercises to hydration reminders, and highlight summer-friendly tools like cooling vests, splash pads, and visual schedules.
PLUS—we answer a thoughtful listener question about managing sensory seeking behaviors at home after school, and offer guidance for making sensory play more structured and less overwhelming.
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form ->https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
The Interoception Curriculum by Kelly Mahler
Sensational Brain: The Interoceptive Sensory System
Summer is here, and while warm weather brings outdoor fun and adventure, it also introduces unique challenges for children with sensory processing differences. Among these challenges, dehydration and difficulty recognizing internal body signals become key concerns.
Let’s explore how interoception plays a role, why hydration is crucial, and actionable strategies to support your child's sensory health during the hot months.
Interoception is often described as our "hidden sense." It's the internal messaging system that helps us recognize what is happening inside our bodies:
Are we thirsty or hungry?
Do we need to use the restroom?
Are we too hot or too cold?
Are we feeling anxious, stressed, or calm?
For many children with sensory processing challenges, ADHD, or autism, interoception can be underdeveloped or dysregulated. This means they may not realize when they're thirsty, overheated, or fatigued until it's too late, resulting in meltdowns, emotional dysregulation, or even heat-related illnesses.
Occupational therapist Kelly Mahler has extensively studied interoception and offers valuable insights into how we can build awareness of these internal cues. While interoception wasn't a major focus in older OT education, it's now recognized as a foundational aspect of self-regulation.
Dehydration doesn't just cause physical discomfort; it directly affects the nervous system and sensory regulation. When a child is dehydrated, you may see:
Increased irritability or emotional dysregulation.
Difficulty focusing or attending to tasks.
Physical symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or nausea.
Heightened sensory sensitivities.
One simple yet powerful tip: start each therapy session or daily routine with a glass of water. Hydration primes the nervous system for optimal regulation and supports better engagement in activities.
Summer adds extra layers of complexity to interoceptive processing:
Heat & Sun Exposure: Children may not recognize when they are overheated or sunburned.
Inappropriate Clothing Choices: Kids with tactile sensitivities may prefer long sleeves or pants, regardless of the weather.
Under- or Over-Responsive Sensory Patterns: Some children may not feel thirst or fatigue until they're dangerously dehydrated, while others may be hypersensitive to sunlight or heat.
Disrupted Routines: Without school schedules, mealtimes, and hydration cues may become inconsistent.
Set timers for water breaks every 30-45 minutes while playing outside.
Use visual or auditory reminders to signal when it's time to take a break and hydrate.
Create simple visual charts that remind your child to check in with their body.
Use phrases like, "How does your body feel? Do you feel hot? Thirsty?"
Read age-appropriate books likeI'm Learning to Listen to My Body to teach about internal body signals.
Role-play scenarios with toys to practice recognizing body cues.
Choose breathable, lightweight clothing.
If tactile sensitivities limit options, seek moisture-wicking long sleeves or pants to prevent overheating.
Body cooling vests.
Cold towels or ice packs.
Spray bottles with fans.
Play with ice water bins or frozen sensory play.
Use multiple colored water bottles to track daily intake.
Create a predictable snack and meal schedule to maintain hunger cues.
Limit grazing to help children tune into true hunger and fullness.
Watch for slurred speech, fatigue, or loss of focus as early warning signs.
Communicate clear guidelines with caregivers, daycare, and summer camps about signs to watch for.
Electrolyte drinks may be helpful, but they must be used thoughtfully, especially for picky eaters who consume processed foods high in sodium.
Always consult your pediatrician before introducing electrolyte supplements regularly.
Children with sensory sensitivities may struggle with sunscreen application due to tactile defensiveness. Consider:
Mineral-based sunscreens which are often better tolerated.
Hats, shade, and sun-protective clothing as alternative sun safety measures.
Educating children on the difference between sun and shade to build awareness.
Interoception is a skill that requires teaching and repetition, especially for children who don't naturally tune into their body's signals. The ultimate goal is to foster independence and self-awareness.
Over time, consistent modeling, conversation, and hands-on learning will help your child recognize and respond to their body's needs.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know this: many parents and therapists face these same summer challenges. By incorporating simple strategies and maintaining a proactive approach, you’re helping your child develop lifelong skills that support both physical health and emotional regulation.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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