GACA Professional Development

 Virtual Only

Addiction on the Spectrum 


Saturday, December 12, 2026


8:45 AM Check-In  

9:00 AM Workshop Begins

12:15 PM   Lunch Break

1:oo PM  Workshop Resumes

4:15 PM Workshop Concludes

Location:  Online

6.0 CE Hours Approved by GACA, GSCSW and NAADAC. 

Approved for 6.0 Clock Hours with NBCC.

Description: 

Adolescents on the autism spectrum may face unique vulnerabilities related to substance use, including challenges with social connection, emotional regulation, sensory experiences, and peer pressure. This workshop explores the intersection of autism and substance use, helping counselors recognize potential risk factors, identify signs of concern, and develop effective, individualized prevention and intervention strategies. Participants will examine communication approaches, supportive therapeutic practices, and collaboration with families and other members of the support system to promote positive outcomes for adolescents with autism who may be at risk for, or experiencing, substance-related challenges.

Learning objectives: 

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand the unique vulnerabilities of adolescents with autism that may contribute to substance use and addiction.
  2. Identify the signs of substance use and addiction in adolescents with autism.
  3. Explore effective prevention strategies and intervention approaches.
  4. Promote communication strategies and support systems for families and professionals.


Presenter:  Ernest (Buddy) Prow, LPC, CMAC, CAAC


Buddy holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.  He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Master Addiction Counselor and a Certified Adolescent Addiction Counselor.  Buddy has many years of experience working with families, married couples, and blended families who are experiencing crisis. Prior to his current role, he was a youth pastor, foster parent, adoptive parent, small group leader, a case manager with DFACS, and an addiction counselor.

Buddy started The Counselors Nest in 2019 and currently has 10 counselors in 2 locations working with him.  He also is the founder and board chairman of the non-profit Barnabas & Ruth which raises funds to help support families with members dealing with addiction. 

Buddy is also the Clinical Director for Fresh Wind Ministries in Athens, Georgia.  He has been a board member with GACA since 2022 and currently is the GACA Regional Director for Area 4 – Athens Clarke County.  

#GACALeads

 #GATreatmentworks 

#GARecovers

 #GAPol


The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) represents the professional interests of more than 100,000 addiction counselors, educators, and other addiction-focused health care professionals.


Georgia Addiction Counselors Association has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7302.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Georgia Addiction Counselors Association is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.  

Registration

  • 6.0 CE Hours, Virtual Only

  • 6.0 CE Hours, Virtual Only

  • that Continuing Education is part of my professional and ethical responsibilities. This requirement is for my betterment and for the welfare of my clients. It is not simply a box to check, but for my professional growth and development as a clinician.

  • that I can not miss more than 15 minutes of a training/workshop in order to receive CE credit, as per the regulations governing CE approvals.

  • it is unethical and unprofessional to be working (engaged in work), shopping, at a restaurant, playing video games, watching tv, or engaged in any other activity that would cause me to be distracted from learning.

  • I will be required to have my camera turned on.

  • to type my name into the chat box at random times.

  • Browsers:
    We utilize Zoom for our webinars. Zoom recommends the following browsers for peak performance: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Chromium Edge.

    Registration Emails:
    Older Email Providers often have difficulties when emails are sent to multiple recipients. This is the usual practice in sending out information, evaluations, handouts, etc. for our webinars. We recommend that you register utilizing using an email from one of the following providers: Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo. We highly discourage the use of Earthlink, Comcast.net or AOL email accounts for registration.

    You may set up free email accounts with any of the recommended providers: Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo. If you need assistance, please contact the GACA office.

$99.00

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