Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health, and Legal Considerations

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopment disorder caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. This spectrum of disorders is characterized by deficits in cognitive (e.g., inhibition, information processing, and memory) and adaptive functioning (e.g., communication skills, problem-solving, and decision-making). These symptoms place some individuals with FASD at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system. Once involved, individuals with FASD usually struggle to make legal decisions, participates in their legal defense, and conform to conditions of incarceration or community supervision. Designed for professionals working in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings, this training broadens awareness of FASD and identifies practices and techniques designed to improve outcomes when working with persons with suspected or confirmed FASD. Other topics discussed in this training include executive dysfunction, suggestibility, confabulation, gullibility, auditory processing deficits, alexithymia, theory of mind (ToM), sluggish cognitive tempo, comprehension deficits, sleep disturbances and fatigue, information processing deficits, choice-making deficits, abstract reasoning deficits, memory confusion, self-regulation deficits, and sensory processing limitations to name a few. Empirically based research findings and case study examples will be highlighted throughout this training.

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod has also conducted over 200 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs. Email: Jerrod01234Brown@live.com