Adaptive and Maladaptive Bodily Awareness: Distinguishing Interoceptive Sensibility and Interoceptive Attention from Anxiety-Induced Somatization in Autism and Alexithymia

There is growing interest in interoception (i.e., detection and interpretation of internal body signals) as a relevant mechanism contributing to certain symptoms and features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and alexithymia. However, inconsistent measurement and operationalization of interoception has led to confusion and inconsistent findings in the literature. In this commentary, we present alternative interpretations of findings from existing studies to demonstrate that ASD and alexithymia are conditions associated with reduced adaptive forms of interoceptive attention (i.e., attention toward bodily signals) but heightened maladaptive forms of interoceptive attention related to anxiety-induced somatization. Differentiating adaptive and maladaptive forms of interoceptive attention reveals a clearer pattern of findings in the research literature for further investigation of interoceptive processes that are involved in the neurobiology of ASD. However, interoception is a complex and multi-faceted construct that requires continual refinement in conceptualization and operationalization. Interoception research may benefit from self-report measures that clearly differentiate adaptive and maladaptive forms of bodily awareness. (c) 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Automated summary

There is a growing interest in the relevance of interoception to symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and alexithymia, but inconsistent measurement and operationalization have led to confusion in the literature. By distinguishing adaptive and maladaptive forms of interoceptive attention, a clearer pattern of findings can be revealed for further investigation.