Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) and False Confessions: Causes, Consequences and Solutions

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) are common disorders that are associated with several cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and physical health deficits and challenges. For a variety of reasons, some individuals with NDDs come into contact with the criminal justice and legal systems. Once involved in these systems, the impacted individual may be at greater risk for miscarriages of justice like false confessions and wrongful convictions as well as an increase in vulnerability and victimization. This is especially the case when professionals lack an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the deficits, challenges, and barriers persons with NDDs frequently face. This training will focus exclusively on the causes, consequences, and solutions associated with NDDs and false confessions. Other topics discussed in this training include problematic interviewing tactics, confabulation, memory distrust, suggestibility, compliance, gullibility, developmental factors, fantasy proneness, executive dysfunction, error monitoring deficits, uncertainty, stress sensitivity, carelessness, problematic coping strategies, sleep disturbances, circadian rhythm misalignment, fatigue, and memory problems to name a few. Empirically-based research findings 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, sleep disturbances, 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 Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, 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 300 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.