Abstract:
This presentation will address the needs and approaches for performing an in-depth School Neuropsychological assessment to address the degree of issues surrounding adolescent Substance Use Disorder (SUD). We will explore an assessment model addressing various neuro-cognitive and neuro-behavioral substrates involving the Integrated School Neuropsychological/Cattell-Horn-Carrol (CHC) Conceptual Model. The Model explores broad and narrow brain-behavior classifications encompassing sensory-motor, visual-spatial, auditory/phonological functioning, and memory. Additional exploration will involve executive functioning, various aspects of attention, processing speed, acquired knowledge, language, and academic achievement, all of which are essential for the learning and psycho-social planning and recovery. As an outgrowth of the School Neuropsychological assessment data, we will discuss a Brain and Behavior Coaching Model for dealing with an individual's Substance Use Disorder. The discussion will address any learning differences, neurodevelopmental concerns, and mental health issues, which will empower the School Neuropsychologist to provide productive feedback to all involved in an individual's neuro-educational care. We will explore resources that may prove beneficial and provide helpful interventions leading to being a change agent for adolescents struggling with a Substance Use Disorder when fostering on-going quality care. As such, we will review an abbreviated case sample.
Biography:
Dr. Ann Marie Leonard-Zabel is a Full Professor of Psychology and Department Coordinator at Curry College in Massachusetts, USA. She received awards from Curry College involving Person of the Year, Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Research, Excellence in Partnership Collaboration, Woman of Inspiration, and an invited two-time presenter at the Curry Authors event. She is a frequent speaker and keynote at national and international conferences involving School Psychology, School Neuropsychology, Disability Analysis, Homeland Security, Violence-Aggression, Forensic Examining, Autism, Trauma, A-D/HD, COVID-19/Long COVID and Post COVID-19 conditions among children and youth, Ethics, and Addictions. In addition, she owns a private international practice specializing in evaluations, consultation, and in-service trainings for neuro-behavioral learning disabilities, neuro-developmental disorders, emotional-behavioral disorders, forensic examiner evaluations and substance use/abuse disorders.For the past 17 years, she has served as a clinical supervisor/clinical instructor for the School Neuropsychology Institute training psychologists in School Neuropsychology. Dr. Leonard-Zabel has published chapters and training programs in the areas of Autism, Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, Telepractice Therapy, Diversity-Equity-Inclusion, as well as chapters in Ethics, TBI, Addictions, and Forensics. Dr. Leonard-Zabel is a Board of Director for the Learning Disabilities Worldwide Congress and is one of a group of Global Goodwill Ambassadors-USA for the Global Goodwill Ambassador Foundation (GGAF) focusing on the UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being (strengthen the prevention, assessment and treatment of substance use disorder) and SDG 4 - Quality Education (disabilities and human rights) and SDG 16 - Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies (decrease violence and abuse of children and youth). Dr. Leonard-Zabel is currently developing a course to bring global awareness on the topic “The Hijacked Brain-Adolescent Addiction” for the Global Goodwill Ambassador Foundation (GGAF) Learning Institute. She received the Lifetime Achievement award in School Neuropsychology and the Distinguished Lifetime Career Achievement award from the American Board of Disability Analysts.
