Ann Marie Leonard Zabel

Title : Shadows unveiled: The interplay between adolescent Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD)

Abstract:

This presentation unravels the intricate relationship between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Youth Substance Use Disorders (SUD), revealing the shadows that obscure their interconnected challenges. Adolescents navigating the confluence of TBI and SUD often face a complex web of shared risk factors, leading to a compounding impact on neurobiology and behavior. Through an exploration of the neurobiological effects and behavioral manifestations arising from this interplay, the presentation aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges posed by the coexistence of TBI and SUD. Real-life case studies illuminate diverse scenarios where these conditions intersect, emphasizing the need for tailored treatment approaches. The discussion extends to preventive strategies, advocating for early intervention to mitigate risks associated with the simultaneous presence of TBI and SUD in youth. Emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaboration, the presentation underscores the importance of a holistic, team-based approach for effective support and intervention.By empowering the audience with knowledge and resources, this presentation aims to foster awareness, understanding, and proactive measures to support adolescents grappling with the shadows cast by the intersection of traumatic brain injury and substance use disorders.

Presentation Objectives:

1. Introduce the shared risk factors that create an interplay between traumatic brain injury and youth substance use disorders.
2. Delve into the neurobiological effects of traumatic brain injury and substance use disorder on the developing brains of youth and how they intersect influencing behavior and complicate the overall picture.
3. Present a case that exemplifies the diverse scenarios where traumatic brain injury and substance use disorders coexist.
4. Emphasize the importance of personalized interventions to effectively support these individuals.
5. Advocate andstress the significance of early intervention as a proactive measure to reduce risks, enhance outcomes, and provide better support for affected youth.

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.