In many ways it still does hold me back like socially for instance. At 51, I've learned to embrace it and stop masking for one. That has alleviated a lot of stress in my life. I no longer go to places like parties, gatherings, church, etc which are a great cause of distress, manipulation and so forth. The attempt to socialize isn't worth it. Basically, I embrace what I'm good at and do that all day. gardening, gaming, writing, etc. I have created my own little world here at home in which I am comfortable and happy. Did my life turn out like I hoped? No, but I'm making the best of it. Did I have my dream job, my dream spouse, my dream house? No, of course not, but I realized what my limitations were and made real expectations for myself which in the end, made me happier. (I'm married to another person on the spectrum and we shared the same quirks, phobias and issues.) Is that meant to help? Not sure, but what I do know is that you should look at what your strengths and weaknesses are and try to capitalize off the strengths while finding a way to either improve the weaknesses or find a way around them. (like the social aspects for me.)
hope that was kind of helpful.