What is Non-Autistic Stimming? Understanding the Behavior

The Basics of Stimming: Not Just for Autism

Honestly, when people hear the word "stimming," they usually associate it with autism. But did you know that stimming isn’t exclusive to individuals with autism? Non-autistic people can stim too, and it's often overlooked or misunderstood. I remember having a conversation with a friend who would repeatedly tap her fingers when she was anxious. I used to think it was a quirky habit, but later learned it was actually a form of non-autistic stimming.

So, what exactly is non-autistic stimming, and why does it happen? Let’s dive in and explore.

What is Stimming, Anyway?

Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behavior, refers to repetitive movements or sounds that someone makes to self-soothe, manage emotions, or deal with sensory overload. It's a behavior that many people engage in, consciously or unconsciously, and it can take various forms. Whether it's tapping your foot, twirling your hair, or humming, stimming is a natural coping mechanism.

What’s interesting about non-autistic stimming is that it’s not often recognized as a legitimate behavior outside of the context of autism. Yet, almost everyone does it in some form. I’ve noticed, for example, that when I'm stressed, I tend to bite my nails—a small form of stimming that many others also exhibit.

Why Do Non-Autistic People Stim?

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Honestly, stimming is often a way for people to deal with stress or anxiety. It's a physical outlet for emotional tension. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, these repetitive movements can bring comfort and calmness. I’ve realized that during stressful moments, I catch myself tapping my fingers or cracking my knuckles without even thinking about it. It's not necessarily a bad thing—it's just a way for the body to release some pent-up energy.

In fact, many people experience non-autistic stimming during heightened emotions. It could be during periods of anxiety, excitement, or even frustration. The body sometimes just needs to release the energy in a controlled way, and stimming is one way to do that.

Sensory Overload and Sensitivity

Some people stim as a response to sensory overload. For instance, if you're in a noisy or chaotic environment, the body might react by engaging in repetitive movements to regain control over the sensory input. Have you ever felt that the sound of too many people talking at once can make your head spin? Well, some people—whether autistic or not—might stim to help "block out" or focus through the noise. I know I’ve had moments where I just needed to retreat into my own little world to process everything happening around me.

Boredom and Focus

Non-autistic stimming can also happen when a person is bored or needs to focus. It might sound strange, but stimming can help improve concentration for some people. You might have noticed that when you're in a long meeting or class, you doodle, bounce your leg, or tap your pen—these small actions can help you stay mentally engaged. Personally, I’ve found that I often tap my pen when I’m thinking or trying to concentrate, and it helps me stay focused. It's like a way to keep my body engaged while my mind works through something.

Common Types of Non-Autistic Stimming

Repetitive Movements

Some common forms of non-autistic stimming include repetitive body movements like tapping, rocking, or foot bouncing. You might have witnessed this behavior in people when they’re deep in thought or feeling nervous. It’s not something that always draws attention, but it’s certainly a natural response. I’ve often caught myself swaying back and forth when I’m working on something important or when I’m lost in thought. It’s just how I center myself.

Vocalizations

Another type of non-autistic stimming is vocalization, which can include humming, repeating words, or making other repetitive sounds. I’ve seen this happen more than once when people are nervous or trying to calm down. I used to hum quietly to myself in high school when I was doing something stressful like taking a test. At the time, I had no idea it was a form of stimming—it was just a habit I picked up over time.

Fidgeting

Fidgeting is probably one of the most common forms of non-autistic stimming. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen someone fidget with a pen or small object while deep in conversation. For me, it’s usually playing with my keys or tapping my fingers on the table when I'm thinking or talking. It’s not always a conscious action, but it happens.

The Misunderstanding of Stimming and Society’s Perception

The Stigma Around Stimming

Honestly, one of the most frustrating things I’ve encountered is how non-autistic stimming is sometimes misunderstood. People often view these behaviors as strange or annoying, especially in professional settings. I once had a colleague who constantly tapped his foot during meetings, and others would complain, not realizing that it was his way of staying focused.

There's a lack of awareness about stimming in general, and it often gets lumped into a negative category. In reality, stimming is a normal coping mechanism. Just like biting your nails or twirling your hair, it’s something that many people do without realizing it. Understanding this behavior as a self-soothing action can help reduce the stigma associated with it.

The Need for Acceptance

The key to understanding non-autistic stimming is acceptance. Just because someone engages in stimming doesn’t mean they’re weird or incapable. It’s simply a way to manage emotions, focus, or handle overwhelming stimuli. In fact, recognizing and embracing this behavior as a normal part of human coping mechanisms can foster greater empathy and acceptance.

Conclusion: Embracing Non-Autistic Stimming

In the end, stimming is just another part of being human, whether you're autistic or not. Non-autistic stimming is a normal response to various emotions, stress, or sensory input, and it's something we all do, even if we don’t always recognize it. So next time you catch yourself fidgeting or humming, don’t be so hard on yourself—you're simply engaging in a behavior that helps you cope and stay grounded.

I’ve learned to embrace my own forms of stimming, whether it’s tapping my foot during a long meeting or twirling a pen when I'm deep in thought. It’s a part of who I am, and it helps me navigate the world more comfortably.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.