Ann Marie Leonard Zabel

Curry College & NEALAC Clinic, USA

Title: Through the Brain’s Lens: The Hidden Effects of Substance Use Disorder in Youth

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Biography

Ann Marie Leonard Zabel is a Full Professor of Psychology and Department Coordinator at Curry College in Massachusetts, USA. She presents nationally and internationally on topics including Substance Use Disorder, Neuropsychology, Brain Health, Forensic Examining, Violence and Aggression, Long Covid-19, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She leads a private international practice specializing in School Neuropsychology, Neuro-Forensics, and Brain Health for children and adolescents.

She has contributed chapters to textbooks and serves on several editorial boards for mental health publications. Additionally, she played a key role in developing national and international certifications in mental health and autism spectrum disorders. She holds numerous licenses, certifications, diplomas, and fellowships in various aspects of school and school neuropsychology, general psychology, disability analysis, brain health, forensic examination related to long Covid-19, safety, violence, aggression, therapeutic interventions, autism spectrum disorders, A-D/HD, and youth addictions.

She is a member of the United Nations Association (UNA-USA) and serves as a Delegate and Champion for the Shot@Life campaign, an initiative by the United Nations Foundation in Washington, D.C., working to ensure global access to lifesaving vaccines. She has also been recognized as a Global Goodwill Ambassador, awarded by the Global Goodwill Ambassador Foundation.

Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Learning Disabilities Worldwide Congress. She has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the American Board of School Neuropsychology and the American Board of Disability Analysts, recognizing her profound contributions to the field.

At Curry College, she has been honored with numerous accolades, including Person of the Year Award, Researcher of the Year, Excellence in Partnership & Collaboration, and has been a four-time recipient of the Curry Authors Award as well as the Excellence in Scholarship Award.

Abstract

Abstract:

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) presents significant challenges for families, schools, and communities, affecting neuro-cognitive and emotional development globally. Addressing these effects is essential for fostering student success and well-being.

This presentation examines the relationship between SUD and neuropsychological development in youth, exploring evidence-based research on its cognitive and emotional effects. Attendees will gain insight into neuropsychological assessment tools and intervention strategies designed for educational settings. Through case analysis, participants will develop practical methods to identify and support students affected by SUD.

Collaboration is critical to intervention. Educators, psychologists, families, and agencies play a pivotal role in creating effective support systems. By integrating neuropsychological insights with intervention strategies, stakeholders can foster positive academic and emotional outcomes for students struggling with SUD.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key symptoms and diagnostic criteria of SUD outlined in the DSM-5-TR.

2. Explain the neuropsychological impact of SUD on students’ cognitive and emotional functioning.

3. Apply neuropsychological assessment tools to evaluate the cognitive effects of substance use.

4. Differentiate neuropsychological profiles of students with SUD from those with other psychological disorders, improving educational and psychosocial outcomes.

5. Evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies in supporting academic and emotional recovery.

By addressing these challenges, the goal of this session is to empower educators, psychologists, and professionals with practical strategies to foster meaningful change in school communities.