From toileting to puberty – our interprofessional team has harnessed the power of interoception as a neuro-affirming approach to developing skills and emotional regulation in school-age children. Children thrive at school when they are supported to attend, take in and process information, and interact positively with their peers and educators. At our School, we empower our diverse students to understand and regulate their emotions through an interoceptive lens. Interoception is the awareness of one's internal bodily sensations and emotional state. Historically, school-based approaches to regulation have been prescriptive and don't honour the individual experiences of each child. An interoception-informed approach emphasizes curiosity and proactivity to support each student.

Effective implementation of school-wide interoception programs requires a collaborative, interprofessional approach. By bringing together music therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, educators and other allied health staff, a comprehensive support system that addresses students' diverse needs can be created. Interprofessional practice allows improved access to interventions and efficient use of resources, increasing practitioners' skills and job satisfaction.

At our school, we have embraced an interprofessional approach to developing interoception skills. Our multidisciplinary team has developed a rich array of interoception-focused activities and resources that are easily accessible, adaptable and in line with the national curriculum. These innovative resources, including songs, games, experiments, and mindfulness activities, enhance students' self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall well-being, promoting a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Additionally, a series of professional development workshops were created for all school staff to upskill and resource each staff member in supporting the development of interoception skills for the students.

The success of our interprofessional approach to interoception has been evident in the positive feedback received from teachers and students alike. We plan to expand our reach and foster a school-wide culture that celebrates neurodiversity and supports the development of interoceptive skills.