1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on ADHD and FASD: Similarities, Differences, and Clinical and Forensic Implications is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD. 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by pervasive inattention and hyperactivity. These symptoms can severely interfere with functioning in school, work, social, and home settings. ADHD typically emerges during childhood or adolescence and carries on into adulthood for approximately half of all cases. This disorder afflicts over 5% of children and 2% of adults in the general population. Prevalence rates of ADHD are even higher among subpopulations like youths and adults entangled in the criminal justice system.

In contrast, fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD) is precipitated by prenatal exposure to alcohol. The disorder can consist of deficits in cognitive (i.e., memory and behavioral control) and adaptive functioning (i.e., social, verbal, and non-verbal communication, and problem-solving). Prevalence estimates in the general population are believed to be as high as 5%. However, these prevalence rates are likely under-estimates as FASD is notoriously difficult to accurately identify and diagnose. These troubles are often attributed to the fact that (a) only a minority of FASD cases present with facial malformations (e.g., smooth philtrum or thin vermillion) and (b) FASD has high levels of comorbidity with other disorders (e.g., ADHD).

The high levels of comorbidity between FASD and ADHD are not surprising, as both disorders are characterized by inattentiveness and impulsivity. Nonetheless, it remains essential to disentangle these disorders because individuals with each respective disorder may benefit from different treatments, medications, and services. This is particularly salient in forensic and criminal justice contexts where symptoms of both disorders can have deleterious impacts in a police investigation, trial, and corrections setting. As such, greater awareness of ADHD and FASD among legal, forensic, and mental health professionals is of paramount importance. This program examines the similarities and differences between ADHD and FASD, as well as the clinical and forensic implications for each disorder.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe a working knowledge of the causes and symptoms of ADHD and FASD
  • 2 Describe the similarities and differences between ADHD and FASD
  • 3 Describe how to account for ADHD and FASD during screening and assessment
  • 4 Describe evidence-based intervention and treatment techniques for ADHD and FASD
  • 5 Describe the implications of ADHD and FASD in forensic and criminal justice contexts

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health and allied professionals who work with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly focusing on the assessment and differentiation of ADHD and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The program covers overlapping and distinct symptomatology, as well as evidence-based interventions, and is suitable for clinicians working in clinical, educational, forensic, and criminal justice settings.

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals.

    • Beginner – gaining foundational knowledge of ADHD and FASD assessment and intervention

    • Intermediate – strengthening skills in differentiation and applying evidence-based strategies

    • Advanced – refining expertise with complex cases across clinical, educational, and forensic settings

  • Practice Setting

    • Clinical practice
    • Educational environments
    • Forensic and criminal justice systems

Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD

Jerrod Brown, PhD, is the Treatment Director for Pathways Counseling Center, Inc., the lead developer of an online Master of Arts degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS), and the Editor-in-Chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST) and the Journal of Special Populations (JSP).

View More Programs from this Presenter
Jerrod Brown, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Implications for ADHD and FASD

  • Similarities between ADHD and FASD

  • Differences between ADHD and FASD

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.