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Author Archives: Maggie

I've become a self-proclaimed novice in the pursuit of [my own] happiness and in finding pockets of peace amidst the chaos of raising my 7-year-old identical twin sons who were blessed with an extra 21st chromosome (aka. Down syndrome) and my beautiful daughter (ADD) who vacillates between being helpful and being 10.

The Potty Training Buzz

Written on April 2, 2011 by Maggie

7 Comments

Potty training is the most common topic of conversation for ALL mothers!

in Behavior Modification, Day In And Day Out, Down Syndrome, Self Care

- 7 Comments

Diagnosis 911: Is it Really ADHD?

Written on March 20, 2011 by Maggie

7 Comments

After 5 months of counseling, we have a working diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD without the hyperactivity) with secondary Anxiety, a touch of perfectionism and perhaps a smidge of OCD. I see the Psychiatrist to get the official diagnosis for the 504 committee and to get the modifications and accommodations. With barely a glance at the 15-page patient history and 11 minutes…

in ADHD, Day In And Day Out, Education, Medications and Treatment Options

- 7 Comments

BELIEVE! No One Can Know the Limitations of Another

Written on March 12, 2011 by Maggie

11 Comments

We are in the process of formalizing a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder with secondary Anxiety Disorder (at-risk for depression) for my “gifted” 9-year-old daughter. For me, this process began more than 2 years ago, brought to light by the abusive treatment she suffered at the hands of her 2nd grade teacher who drove her to tears…

in ADHD, Advocacy, Down Syndrome, Education, Raising Awareness

- 11 Comments

Special Needs Come & Go

Written on February 28, 2011 by Maggie

6 Comments

I’ve been raising my identical twin sons — who happen to have Down syndrome — for nearly 6 years now. By all counts, they have “special needs”. We’re now in the process of confirming a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder for my 9-year-old daughter who is also in our district’s gifted program. SHE too has “special needs”….

in ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Raising Awareness

- 6 Comments

My Dream… Inclusion For All!

Written on February 20, 2011 by Maggie

6 Comments

I have a dream! No really, last night I had this dream. I dreamed 10 women were chosen to meet with Oprah Winfrey. At the meeting we were privileged with the opportunity to chat with the powerful Ms. Winfrey. I sat listening to the ardent pleas of these strong-willed and driven women who had been…

in ADHD, Advocacy, Day In And Day Out, Down Syndrome, Education

- 6 Comments

Finally, A Diagnosis!

Written on February 13, 2011 by Maggie

8 Comments

Note: This was excerpted from a more detailed (read: long-winded) post on my blog at Walkonthehappyside.wordpress.com I’ve been skating through life with identical twins born with an extra 21st chromosome and an Old Soul who was always a peaceful, nature-loving kid… Until her second grade teacher began yelling at her for her daydreaming ways. The constant barage…

in ADHD, Day In And Day Out, Dealing With Public Perceptions, Raising Awareness

- 8 Comments

A School Day or Sick Day?

Written on February 5, 2011 by Maggie

3 Comments

Send ’em? Keep ’em home? Send ’em? Keep ’em home? You recite the words over and over again as you pluck the petals from the cut flowers sitting in the vase? (LOL, there’s a luxury I don’t enjoy often!) Eeny, Meany, Miney Moe? Paper, Scissors, Rock? Or with the flip of a coin? How do…

in Day In And Day Out, Down Syndrome, Education

- 3 Comments

I Hate Being Late!

Written on January 30, 2011 by Maggie

2 Comments

As the bird tweets, we miss a lot of fun activities! That’s because we’re always late to the party… literally! We’ve missed the better half of birthday parties, christenings, the walk down the aisle, the eulogy, the sun. You name it. We’ve missed it. Anyone else having trouble getting places on time since they had…

in Day In And Day Out, Down Syndrome, Raising Awareness

- 2 Comments

I Have A Dream!

Written on January 22, 2011 by Maggie

1 Comment

I know, I’m late to the party weighig in on the legacy that is Martin Luther King Jr. But I post on Saturdays and Martin Luther King Jr. Day was Monday. Thing is, it really REALLY hit me on Monday just how thankful I am to this remarkable man who gave his life fighting for the simple God-given…

in Advocacy, Dealing With Public Perceptions, Down Syndrome, Education, Raising Awareness

- 1 Comment

Doing Business with Accepting Individuals

Written on January 16, 2011 by Maggie

7 Comments

A long time ago, long before kids, my husband (aka: Sarge) and I decided that we only wanted to do business with good people; Folks who were honest and hard-working and who treated us right… versus those establishments that may have a slightly lower price tag but their store-side manner just stunk (cleaned up for…

in Day In And Day Out, Dealing With Public Perceptions, Down Syndrome

- 7 Comments