CADA School of Addiction and Behavioral Health's Lunch & Learn Series:

“Addictive Disorders on the Autism Spectrum: A Hidden Comorbidity?”

Free and open to the public!

For:  Counselors and professionals in the fields of addiction and education, as well as anyone who has an interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or addition.  Parents of individuals with ASD are welcome to attend, ask questions and share their experiences. 

Tuesday, January 14
Sign-in begins at 11:30am
Program from Noon – 1:00pm
Free admission and Lunch
Certificate Fee:  $5.00

One hour of approved CE available and lunch will be provided.

Researchers are beginning to determine that those on the autism spectrum are not immune from developing an addictive disorder and that the two conditions may even partially share etiology. This one hour Lunch & Learn will offer a current understanding of similarities and possible links between Autism Spectrum Disorder and so-called OCD-spectrum disorders, particularly addictive disorders. The material will deal with diagnostic criteria for this comorbidity and potential adaptations needed in treatment, such as less reliance on group therapy toward lower-impact, individual care. Parents and family members of those with ASD are welcome to attend and share their experiences, as well as professional educators and counselors who serve the ASD population.   

Moderator: Dr. Kent Dean is Director of Clinical Development at CADA (the Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse of NWLA) and Director of CADA’s School of Addiction and Behavioral Health. Kent has been a counselor, teacher, and administrator for over forty years. He has been on faculties of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Southern University in New Orleans, and University of Louisiana at Monroe; and he has presented at local, state, and national conferences.

Parent Speaker: Susan Reeks is an Autism Activist and the parent of a teenager with ASD. Susan will share her experiences navigating autism services in North Louisiana and share stories from other parents. Susan is also CADA's Director of Marketing & Development.

Registration FULL

**Due to interest, this event is now at capacity! We will be setting a date for a second Lunch and Learn of this same topic, so check back here soon for that date and registration info. If you are interested in attending this second event, please email sarah.bryant@cadanwla.org!