The Intersection of Autism and Addiction, with Dr. Brandon Park

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
On several occasions, Hopestream has hosted conversations about the complex intersection of substance use and other issues like anxiety, trauma, and ADD. 

But there’s one convergence we haven’t yet discussed: substance use, addiction, and autism.  After searching for a trustworthy specialist, we're finally covering this topic today with neuropsychologist Dr. Brandon Park, Founder and Executive Director of New Focus Academy.

In this episode, Dr. Park explains why kids with autism can find themselves especially susceptible to addictions – not just to alcohol and drugs, but also technology use and other behaviors.  Over the course of this conversation we discuss:

• What is neurodiversity and how does it impact teens and young adults?
• Indicators for undiagnosed autism
• Why some kids (especially girls) are good at masking neurodivergence and how that makes them even more vulnerable
• What parents need to know if they're considering treatment for a neurodiverse child
• How therapists and mental health professionals can sometimes misunderstand the experience and needs of kids with autism
• The importance of working with professionals who can parse the connections between trauma, autism, substance use, and other issues

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• New Focus Academy Website
• Instagram: @newfocusacademy
• Social Emotional Fluency Model developed by Dr. Park

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