Abstract:
Juvenile criminal behavior represents a significant public health concern, requiring an interdisciplinary framework that integrates epidemiology, neuroscience, and psychology. This presentation examines the neurodevelopmental origins of juvenile delinquency, emphasizing how early risk factors contribute to maladaptive behavioral outcomes across development. Particular attention is given to neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities, including genetic predispositions, environmental stressors, and adverse childhood experiences, and their cumulative impact on brain maturation. The discussion further explores neurophysiological and psychopathological correlations of juvenile offending. Key central nervous system differences are highlighted, including hemispheric asymmetries and dysfunction within critical regions such as the frontal lobes and amygdala, which are associated with impairments in executive functioning, emotional regulation, and decision-making. These neurobiological patterns are considered within an epidemiological context to better understand population-level risk and variability. In addition, the role of neuropsychological assessment in juvenile justice settings is examined, particularly in evaluating competency to stand trial and identifying cognitive and emotional deficits that may inform legal decision-making. The presentation concludes by outlining evidence-based, neuro-educational intervention and treatment approaches aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment. Emphasis is placed on early identification, prevention strategies, and the integration of public health models to reduce recidivism and promote more adaptive developmental trajectories among at-risk 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 training for neuro-behavioral learning disabilities, neuro-developmental disorders, emotional-behavioral disorders, forensic examiner evaluations, and substance use/abuse disorders. For the past 20 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). She received the Lifetime Achievement award in School Neuropsychology and the Distinguished Lifetime Career Achievement award from the American Board of Disability Analysts.
