Have you managed autistic traits successfully?

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I read in a book by Tony Attwood that some autists
eventually learn to mask to the extent that they can get
"written off" as NT, and basically function in any situation provided they manage themselves.

He then provided a reference for the diagnosis to be disregarded for a job
that require able-bodied people.

I guess this is not the case for many, and it probably changes as you age.

"No".

I don't 'manage autism'.
In social aspects, I just grow better than 'be more NT-like'.

Whether by sheer amount of data in interactions and observation within my current locale...

Or overcoming certain beliefs and afflictions that are nothing to do with autism (but are very much to do with being a damn human), but will exacerbate the negative aspects of autism and overall my neurology along with it's functions if I let it be.


I don't mask.
I have the privilege to choose not to.


One of my 'workarounds' is to get out of "survival mode".
Not even many of able bodied NTs are privileged enough to do that.

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I don't manage. The more I see how NTs act, the more I prefer having ASD.

At 53, I have learned to mask so well that most of my colleagues do not know I am autistic until I tell them.

This is a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, it's easier to hold down a job. On the other, my colleagues don't understand the enormous effort I make just to appear normal. They don't understand I have limitations they do not, that things which are simple for them are really stressful for me.

So, after all these years, now that I have enough coping mechanisms that I can almost pass for normal ... I tell them I am autistic because it is better for us all if they know.

Masking can lead too to much stress and burnout.

It is better to get a "back room" job where you don't have to mask.
Auto painters need someone to prepare the car for painting. This is hard work.
Someone on the spectrum would be ideal.
Not only can they do a good job, there is little danger of them stealing the painter's job!

Manage, meaning mask? No. I don't want to do that and I'm unable regardless.

Manage, meaning cope with it and understand myself without feeling upset? Yes.

It may help to find a special interest group where you can be kind and helpful.
Often, we can be a resource of knowledge.

Stage of life thing. I developed skills, I masked, I burnt out. Now I am "unmasking" - what a relief. Like everything - mask enough to make others comfortable enough and -new to me- unmask enough so that I am comfortable. Like the PP, I was working so very hard (masking). Can I "manage" my autistic traits? Sure. I can do so appearing to be NT (e.g. modulating my responses and eye contact), under the right conditions. Is it healthy for me? No. I can do so appearing as not NT (e.g. wearing noise-cancelling headphones or ear buds). Does that "pass"? No. Pick my poison.

I don't know what autistic traits you're referring to.
I've worked in places with a large number of staff for many years and I've noticed a lot of them have similar 'traits' to the ND.
I did train myself not to stim - well, not noticeably anyway.
I limit exposure to too much socialisation by stepping out at lunch.
I ask for quieter spaces to work.
I don't email or message work outside of work hours.
For the rest, I don't think I'm that different from my coworkers.