Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Miranda Rights Comprehension Deficits, and False Confessions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorders in the world, with approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States meeting the diagnostic criteria (CDC, 2024). This multi-faceted, lifelong condition is a broad spectrum of symptoms that can range widely in presence and severity. Although most individuals on the autism spectrum are law abiding citizens, a small subset of individuals diagnosed with this disorder do come into contact with the criminal justice system as suspects or perpetrators of crime. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle to navigate different stages and processes of the criminal justice and legal systems. This includes police interviews, interrogations, standing trial, testifying, and complying with the conditions of sentences in custodial (e.g., jail and prison) and community (e.g., probation and parole) settings. The communication, interpersonal, and behavioral symptoms of ASD, along with its comorbid conditions, directly undermines a person’s capacity to successfully function and make legal decisions (e.g., Miranda waivers and confessions). Designed for professionals working in psycholegal settings, this training will examine the contributing factors associated with poor Miranda rights comprehension and false confession risk among this population group. Best practices in criminal justice and legal interviewing through an autism-informed lens will also be discussed. Attendance will be particularly beneficial for professionals who want to improve the accuracy of information garnered during their interviews of persons with autism and learns ways to reduce miscarriages of justice among this vulnerable population group. 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), intellectual and developmental disabilities, confabulation, suggestibility, memory, Miranda rights comprehension issues, sleep disturbances, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). 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.