Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Nicole Harris

Abstract

Introduction: Children aged four to six experience rapid brain development, advancing language skills, and understanding of the human body (Schaan et al., 2019). This developmental stage highlights the importance of educators and caregivers teaching interoception to improve preschool-aged children's occupational engagement and emotional regulation. Children lacking developed interoceptive skills may encounter difficulties regulating their emotions, impacting activities such as play, social participation, education, and health management (Arnold et al., 2019). This product was developed to offer caregivers and educators a comprehensive understanding of interoception through a handbook and training sessions containing strategies, exercises, tools, and activities to facilitate interoceptive development in children.

Methodology: To identify strategies for improving occupational performance and the advantages of early interoceptive awareness, a literature review was conducted through PubMed and Google Scholar. Additionally, interviews, informal surveys, and classroom observations were conducted. Throughout the development process, the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model by Baptiste (2017) and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs by McLeod (2023) were used as frameworks.

Results: The projected outcome of this product is to provide caregivers and educators with a deeper understanding of interoception, guidance on developing interoception in children, and access to various interoception strategies, exercises, tools, and activities. Upon completing the training, caregivers and educators are anticipated to feel more confident utilizing the handbook as a resource. Additionally, it is anticipated that children will benefit from the handbook by increasing their engagement in various occupations leading to improved emotional regulation and enhanced self-efficacy across different environments.

Conclusion: The Interoceptive Learning Across Environments handbook serves as a resource for educators and caregivers, intending to enhance children's interoception to improve their occupational performance. The training aims to offer caregivers and educators guidance and support as they learn strategies, exercises, tools, and activities to help children recognize and understand interoception. The handbook and training provide essential resources to promote effective communication and a collaborative approach to interoceptive development.

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