Luckdragonfly Counseling

04/06/2026

A study of 2.7 million people has found that autistic girls are being significantly underdiagnosed compared to autistic boys and the gap is far wider than previously understood.

Researchers found that girls were 50% less likely to receive an autism diagnosis than boys with the same traits. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, points to longstanding diagnostic criteria built almost entirely around male presentations.

Girls often “mask” more effectively — mirroring social behaviour to fit in — which means their difficulties go unnoticed until much later in life, if at all.

The researchers are calling for an urgent overhaul of diagnostic tools to account for how autism presents differently across genders.

Half the picture has been missing all along.

02/20/2026

02/02/2026

A coping box 📦 can help you calm down without overthinking.

02/01/2026

01/26/2026

Free Parent Conference

01/24/2026

Why STOP Works When Emotions Are Intense

From a nervous system perspective, STOP works because it slows the emotional cascade.

Strong emotions create urgency. Urgency narrows attention and pushes action. STOP interrupts that loop long enough for regulation to begin.

It doesn’t remove the emotion. It reduces the intensity so the emotion doesn’t hijack your behavior.

Over time, practicing STOP helps your system learn that you don’t have to react immediately to be safe.

Follow for more tips nervous system regulation.

01/11/2026

DBTskills : Emotion Regulation Module.

11/23/2025

SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY - resharing our most popular posts of the past 7 days - just in case you missed it first time round.

If your young person seems to “fall apart” the moment they get home from school, you’re not imagining it — and you’re certainly not alone. After-school restraint collapse is a real, brain-based response to a long day of holding it all together.

In today’s visual, I’m breaking down the steps of the collapse — from the build-up during the school day, to the quiet unravelling on the journey home, to the release you often see the minute they walk through the door.
Understanding these steps matters. When we can recognise why it happens, we’re far better equipped to respond with connection, not correction.

If you want practical tools, scripts, and step-by-step support for navigating these moments, the full After School Restraint Collapse Toolkit is available via the link in the comments below ⬇️ or through the Linktree Shop in Bio. Global checkout system.

It’s designed to help you spot the early signs, stay regulated yourself, and guide your child back to safety and balance.

What part of the after-school routine feels hardest in your home right now? I’d love to hear so I can create resources that truly help.

FOLLOW for new posts on this topic over the coming week.

10/12/2025

Trying to catch this blue and green dragonfly. So fast!

10/09/2025

Affirmation bracelets can be a great reminder of how fabulous you are.

10/09/2025

🌟 SAVE THE DATE: November 15th, 2025! 🌟

Families, caregivers, and professionals — mark your calendars! 🧩 Join us at the Family-Friendly Autism Spectrum Disorder Resource Fair on Saturday, November 15th from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Biloxi Visitors Center, 1050 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS.

✅ FREE and open to the public
✅ Expert speakers in psychology, medicine & social work
✅ Vendors & resources from across the state
✅ A day of support, connection, and empowerment for families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder

🎯 Want to join as a vendor or participant?
Scan the QR codes on the flyer or register here by October 31, 2025:
🔗 https://forms.office.com/r/Y5fsi9tu8R

Presented by the UMMC Center for Advancement of Youth in partnership with the Color of Autism Foundation, MCARDD, and SPARK for Autism.

Let’s build community, raise awareness, and spark change — together! 💙🧩

10/08/2025