Yep - but from what I've seen in kids diagnosed as ADHD it's not really close, my nephew got diagnosed but realistically I can see myself being way worse at his age and still coming out functional without medication.
Would you ever look at a child who can’t complete their classes due to bouts of MS and say “I can see myself being in worse pain at that age, why are you giving them medication?”
Why do you feel your opinion is more valid just because you can’t see their pain?
You're older so your cohort was worse performing in general, because everyone in the US had lead poisoning back then and now kids are somewhat healthier. (You probably have adult ADHD.) He can still need help if he performs worse than the rest of his class - there really aren't long term downsides to taking medication or anything here.