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Behavior Clues • Interoception Tool

Body Clues

Use this when you are wondering, “Is this behavior, or is their body trying to tell me something?”

👀Notice

🗣️Name

🩺Check

🌱Support

📋Track

Use this when you see:

Say less first

“Something feels hard. Let’s check your body first.”

Tap what you see. Each tap fills the tracker note at the bottom.

What does the body look like?

Tap the closest clue. It does not have to be perfect.

Tap a body clue.

Why: interoception practice starts with noticing body signals before trying to solve the behavior.

Where do you feel it?

Tap the head, chest, belly, or legs.

Tap one body area.

Why: body maps and visuals help kids connect body sensations to words.

Check these first

Hungry, thirsty, tired, bathroom, hot, cold, sick, or in pain?

Choose one need to check.

Sudden behavior changes, possible pain, self injury, sleep changes, eating changes, constipation, illness, breathing concerns, weakness, or unusual shutdown should be discussed with a medical professional.

Support the body

The goal is ready, not perfect.

Choose one support.

Mini First Then

First

Then

Parent script: “We are not doing the whole thing yet. We are helping your body get ready.”

Track this body clue

You can keep tapping here, or use what you already selected above.

What happened before?

What did the body show?

What happened after?

Every tap fills the tracker note below.

Copy this into the Behavior Tracker:

Open Behavior Clue Tracker →

FAQ

Is this the same as the Calm Body Tool?

No. This Body Clues Tool helps you notice what the body may be telling you. The Calm Body Tool helps you choose what support to use next.

What is interoception?

Interoception is the sense that helps us notice internal body signals like hunger, thirst, bathroom needs, temperature, pain, heartbeat, breathing, fullness, and tiredness.

Why does my child not know what they feel?

Many neurodivergent children need direct teaching and repeated practice to notice body clues. “I do not know” is a valid starting point.

Should I use this during a meltdown?

Use very few words during intense distress. Focus on safety, co regulation, quiet, and lowering demands. This tool works best when your child can look, point, tap, or listen briefly.

When should I track the pattern?

Track when the same behavior keeps happening, when it is new or confusing, when you suspect pain or body needs, or when you need clearer information for therapists, doctors, or support teams.

Trusted Resources

Pediatric OT Interoception Review Interoception Program Study Ready to Learn Interoception Kit AOTA Sensory Guidance Kelly Mahler Interoception Resources Positive Partnerships Interoception