Academic advantages of getting diagnosed?

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I spent the first 2.5 years of my degree without accommodations because I didn't have a reason for it and as I was considered NT, there was no point in asking. After first year my marks dropped really quickly. My counsellor got this nagging suspicion that I was on the ASD spectrum, so for the next semester I was able to start getting Disability Liaison Unit help due to a suspected ASD and personal issues.

That really helped because I had my DLU officer to look after me (just in case). I also had exam arrangements such as: food and drink definitely allowed; smaller exam venue and up to 3*5 minute rest breaks to be taken once an hour that doesn't count as part of writing time. I also got extensions on assignments if needed (I haven't taken it yet, I will next year as I need kick ass grades in my subjects) and empowerment to ask questions about assignments (to clarify what's being asked) and general course stuff in the form of a statement that I can give to my lecturers and the ability to arrange a three way meeting including my DLU officer if I am too shy.

As a result I stopped getting 50s and fails and started to head back into the H territory (my university gives H number values for things above pass such as credits and distinctions). As I was getting H level averages in first year with minimal work it wasn't giving me any advantages, it was getting me back to where I should be academically. It just took a lot of the stress away and I got the support I needed. Otherwise I may have ended up dropping out.

After that semester I got my diagnosis and so far the arrangements have stayed in place. Arrangements aren't going to give you an unfair advantage. At the moment you're actually at a disadvantage and the only thing the arrangements will do is try to compensate for your disadvantages so you're on an equal level with the non-disadvantaged students. Even if you don't think you are at a disadvantage (like I was) there may actually be things causing a hindrance. Examples are executive function issues, interpreting the questions/assignments differently to what's intended, difficulties in focusing and being exhausted from things like your commute and the university environment.

Yes rest breaks and the ease of getting exstions has helped me a lot too.

I think if you do not go and see what you can get you are handicapping yourself.

If you're really in danger of failing out, (and not just academic detention,) I think it's worth taking advantage of any help you can possibly get. Extra time. Tutoring. Sympathy. Adderall. Whatever. Anything that might help you get your grades back up and stay in school is worth the effort to get.

But be careful. It's not just the adderall that's addictive... (This is where I do agree with zer0netgain and cyanide.) As soon as your grades are over the minimum, I suggest you stop taking any extra help. Understand that there will be no extra help for you once you graduate. You've made it this far without it. You have to know that you can make it on your own. That's what you're in college to prepare for.

But first, just make sure you stay in college. Whatever it takes.