@ChasingTwo - many who read that article may have similar questions to those you expressed.
Originally Posted by article: Pathologizing Normal Gifted Behavior - What it is and why it's a problem
Ritalin is a class 2 drug, which means it is a narcotic, just like cocaine.
Originally Posted by ChasingTwo
“Just like cocaine?” I don’t think so.
There are several schedules of Class II drugs posted online and readily accessible.
For example, Drugs.com > Reference > CSA Schedules > Schedule 2 (II) Drugs, a list which includes both ritalin and 3 forms of cocaine.
Originally Posted by Drugs.com > Reference > CSA Schedules > Schedule 2 (II) Drugs
The drug has a high potential for abuse. The drug has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse of the drug may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

The following drugs are listed as Schedule 2 (II) Drugs* by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA)...

Originally Posted by ChasingTwo
Certainly we want children to be diagnosed accurately and not misdiagnosed with something they do not have. But how much of a problem is this, really? Is there data?
You may want to check the works related to "Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses" on the SENG website.
Originally Posted by SENG website
Many gifted and talented children (and adults) are being mis-diagnosed by psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and other health care professionals. The most common mis-diagnoses are: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)...
Also:
1) SENG initiative - https://www.sengifted.org/misdiagnosis-initiative
2) SENG articles - https://www.sengifted.org/allarticles/categories/misdiagnosis
3) Book, 2nd edition (2016) - https://www.amazon.com/Misdiagnosis-Diagnoses-Gifted-Children-Adults/dp/1935067435