Kelly enjoys using interoception research to discover more about the diversity of the human experience and applying this understanding to help people flourish in their daily lives. In addition to directly supporting clients and their families, Kelly is actively involved in a variety of interoception research projects, serving in different roles including principal investigator, graduate research mentor, dissertation chair and content expert consultant. She enjoys collaborating with a variety of established and up and coming researchers to explore numerous topics.
Current Research Interests:
- Interoception
- Emotion
- Trauma
- Neurodiversity
- Anxiety
- Mental Health
- The Interoception Curriculum as an Effective Self-Regulation Support
Are you a journalist looking to interview Kelly regarding her interoception research and client experiences?
Interoception Research Projects:
Published Papers and Posters:
- Mahler, K., Hample, K., Ensor, C., Ludwig, M., Palanzo-Sholly, L., Stang, A., … & Hilton, C. (2024). An interoception-based intervention for improving emotional regulation in children in a special education classroom: Feasibility study. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 38(3), 636-650.
- Mahler, K., Hample, K., Jones, C., Sensenig, J., Thomasco, P., & Hilton, C. (2022). Impact of an Interoception-Based Program on Emotion Regulation in Autistic Children. Occupational therapy international, 2022.
- Hample, K., Mahler, K., & Amspacher, A. (2020). An interoception-based intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: a pilot study. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 13(4), 339-352.
- Mahler, K., McLaughlin, E., & Anson, D. (2020). Interoception Across Varying Degrees of Mental Wellness. AJOT: American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(S1), NA-NA.
- Lynch, A. K., Ashcraft, R., Mahler, K., Whiting, C. C., Schroeder, K., & Weber, M. (2020). Using a public health model as a foundation for trauma-informed care for occupational therapists in school settings. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 13(3), 219-235.
- Lucas, C., Mahler, K., Tierney, C. D., & Olympia, R. P. (2020). School nurses on the front lines of health care: How to help students with Autism Spectrum Disorder navigate a meltdown in school. NASN School Nurse, 35(3), 143-146.
- Lucas, C., Mahler, K., Schaefer, E. & Tierney, C. (2019). Keep Calm and Use Context Clues: An Investigation into the Interoceptive Awareness of Teens with Autism. Poster presented at: International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting; Montreal, Canada.
- Lazzara, A., Veglia, M., Mahler, K., Miller, E., Lucas, C., & Tierney-Aves, C. (2018). Do Kids With Autism Get “The Feels”?: Making Sense of Interoception. Poster presented at: International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting; Rotterdam, Netherlands.
- Lucas, C., Mahler, K., Miller, E., Schaefer, E. & Tierney, C. (2018). “Can you hear me now?”: How autistic teens make sense of their world through interoception. Poster presented at: Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP) Annual Meeting; Anaheim, CA.
- Lazzara, A., Veglia, M., Mahler, K., Miller, E., Lucas, C., & Tierney-Aves, C. (2017). Do Kids With Autism Get “The Feels”?: Making Sense of Interoception. Poster presented at: Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP) Annual Meeting; Cleveland, OH.
- Mahler K, Hample K, Ensor C, Ludwig M, Palanzo-Sholly L, Stang A, Trevisan D, Hilton C. An Interoception- Based Intervention for Improving Emotional Regulation in Children in a Special Education Classroom: Feasibility Study. Occup Ther Health Care. 2024 Feb 20:1-15. doi: 10.1080/07380577.2024.2313527. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38375672.
Research Projects in Manuscript Preparation/Submission:
- Impact of The Interoception Curriculum on Self-Regulation in Middle School Students
- Impact of The Interoception Curriculum on Self-Regulation and Participation in Children
- Understanding the Interoception Experience in Children: Child-Report vs. Caregiver Report
- The Experience of Interoception & Exteroception in Adults
- Relationship between Interoception & Mental Wellness in Adults
- A Qualitative Investigation into the Interoception Experiences in a Variety of Adults
Interoception Research Projects in Development:
- Relationship between Interoception & Anxiety in Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults
- Randomized control trial using The Interoception Curriculum with school aged children
- Using The Interoception Curriculum in an online program for autistic adults
- Development of a Interoception Measure for Children
- Using The Interoception Curriculum with non-speaking preschool children
- Using The Interoception Curriculum with youth and adults that have sustained a concussion
Are you a journalist wishing to interview Kelly about her interoception research?
Please contact us here:
Are you a professional wishing to assist in data collection for one of Kelly’s upcoming studies?
Please join our research helper list here: