I am sorry you have had such bad luck. Ive had my cat for 13 years and only spent minimal money on food and litter. My guinea pig is very healthy but i always worry about one day having to take him to an exotic vet.
I agree that labeling hinders one. I got teased throughout school but i never let it constitute what i can and cant do. At 14 i was making more money than anyone else in my classes.
I had autistic friends Througout my life. One was your age and was accepted into a University with a full scolarship. The other got a grant to an art school at your age. Work hard with reptiles and you can get a scholarship in herpetology.