15/01/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/1GffCKmZGU/
Traditional behavior approaches are built on the idea that adults must know the function of a behavior. A single reason, a neat explanation, an answer to solve.
“It’s attention seeking.”
“It’s escape/avoidance.”
And so on.
But expressions of inner experience (aka behavior) rarely fit into one tidy box.
A child clinging, crying, screaming, hiding, or refusing isn’t offering a surface “behavior to modify.” They’re offering a window into their inner world.
Behaviorism says:
“We need to identify the function so we can change the behavior.”
This demands certainty.
It prioritizes adult interpretation over the child’s experience.
An interoception-informed approach says:
“I don’t have to know ‘why’. I will stay with you while we figure it out.”
This invites curiosity.
It prioritizes true understanding over correction.
When adults model:
“I’m not sure what you need, but I care. I’m here. I’ll try with you,”
Children learn that expressing their internal experience is safe, even when the adult doesn’t have the answer yet.
Behaviorism is based on false assumptions.
“The adult already knows the why.”
Interoception is built on humble curiosities.
“The adult is willing to learn the why.”
Curiosity creates space for inner communication to bloom.
Certainty crushes it before it can grow.
Image Description: a Purple and orange tile with a graphic of an adult kneeling down to speak with a crying child. It says: An interoception-informed approach says: “I don’t have to know ‘why’ and I will stay with you while we figure it out.”
