Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health, and Legal Considerations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex, multifaceted, neurodevelopmental disorder impacting several domains of functioning. Core deficits associated with autism include social communication deficits and impairments in reciprocal social-emotional interactions across multiple settings and repetitive and restricted patterns of interests, activities, and behaviors. It is important to note that the expression of these core deficits can vary significantly in terms of presence and severity from person to person depending on a host of factors. Although most individuals on the autism spectrum are law abiding citizens, a small subset of individuals diagnosed with this disorder engage in problematic and criminal-related behaviors. This training will examine the potential causes and contributing factors related to when someone with autism becomes involved in the criminal justice and legal systems. Implications for interviewing, screening, and intervention will also be discussed. A primary goal of this training is to learn why criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal professionals should become autism-informed. 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.