Dyslexia: Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health, and Legal Implications

Presenters: Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., and Amy Guillot, Ph.D., M.A.

Dyslexia is defined by the International Dyslexia Association as a neurological learning disability characterized by poor spelling and word recognition abilities. Consequences of these deficits often include secondary reading problems such as poor reading comprehension. A harmful domino effect can be traced from dyslexia to learning difficulties in school and several adverse outcomes across the lifespan. These adverse outcomes include criminal justice-involvement, as research reports that people entangled in the criminal justice system may be disproportionately likely to present with undiagnosed dyslexia. Although not a causal risk factor for criminal behavior, dyslexia may amplify the risk of criminal justice-involvement when co-occurring with other established risk factors (e.g., impulsive control issues, poor verbal skills, low self-esteem, social skill limitations, early language problems, and cognitive problem-solving). Intended for professionals working in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings, this innovative training provides attendees with a comprehensive overview of dyslexia, its potential causes, clinical features, and red flag indicators. Nuanced discussions of potential opportunities for prevention, management, and intervention will also be discussed. For instance, high quality academic and reading interventions could play a key role in reducing the rates of delinquency and recidivism among justice-involved populations. The principal goals of this training are to encourage the (a) routine screening of dyslexia and (b) adoption of dyslexia-informed practices and policies in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal systems. 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.

Amy Guillot, Ph.D., M.A., has been a literacy education professor, researcher, and Dyslexia Therapist in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Houston-Victoria since 2007. Amy earned her Ph.D. in Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2003. She is the current Chair of the Teacher Education Program at UH-V and leads the faculty in transforming teacher preparation. Amy has several years of experience in public schools as an English Language Arts teacher and Reading Specialist. She received her Dyslexia Therapist certification in 2020 after a two-year intensive preparation. Amy has published and presented extensively in national, state, and local venues on topics related to literacy and teacher preparation. In addition to her role as a professor and Chair, Amy provides tutoring for students with dyslexia in her private practice. Amy has provided training for a variety of professionals and educators about the academic and mental health implications for people with dyslexia.