Hey wait a minute. This kid likely had ADD ADHD and Ritalin helped. Ritalin is in a sense Speed. IF the kid did not have ADD ADHD the reaction would have likely been a kid bouncing off the walls from it. One shrink told me he tries Caffeine pills first with ADD ADHD. If the caffeine pill doesn't slow the kid down somewhat the Ritalin is not the answer and there is another problem instead. The parent likely gave you an off hand remark.
Does anyone ever check the kids diet, exercise and sleeping habits before putting them on some of this crap? I've seen some that are drinking cokes and eating candy at all hours of the day causing numerous behavior problems.......that's why I've always regulated how much my kids had of that stuff.