1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Similarities, Differences, and Clinical and Forensic Implications is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder afflicting approximately one out of 59 children across the United States. This disorder has no physical markers but is characterized by communication (i.e., verbal and non-verbal) and behavioral (e.g., restricted and/or repetitive actions) symptoms. ASD can be diagnosed at any point, with the symptoms typically emerging during the first three years of life. The presence and severity of these symptoms can have debilitating consequences on an individual’s capacity to function in school, work, community, and home settings.

In contrast, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the result of prenatal exposure to alcohol. This life-course persistent disorder has an estimated prevalence of 5% in the general population. Rates of FASD have been found to be significantly higher among criminal justice-involved populations compared to the general population. FASD is typified by deficits in cognitive (e.g., executive functioning and memory) and adaptive (e.g., verbal and non-verbal communication, social skills, decision-making, and problem-solving) functioning. Complicating screening and assessment, FASD has high levels of diagnostic comorbidity with other disorders like ASD.

In fact, ASD and FASD share a number of symptomatic characteristics. A prominent area of overlap in symptomatology between ASD and FASD is in the area of social development. For instance, individuals with each disorder often struggle to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships as well as use and comprehend forms of non-verbal communication (e.g., body language). Further, ASD and FASD have both been linked to irregularities in self-control, attention span, sensory stimulation, and other broader developmental considerations. Nonetheless, it remains important to distinguish between ASD and FASD due to differences in short- and long-term prognosis and appropriateness of treatment options. This program examines the similarities and differences between ASD 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 working knowledge of etiologies and symptoms of ASD and FASD
  • 2 Describe screening and assessment options in applied settings like the criminal justice system
  • 3 Describe the similarities and differences between ASD and FASD
  • 4 Describe the clinical and forensic implications associated with ASD and FASD
  • 5 Describe the evidence-based intervention and treatment techniques for ASD and FASD

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for mental health and allied professionals who work with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those specializing in clinical or developmental psychology and related fields. It is designed to enhance participants’ ability to assess, differentiate, and intervene with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), with a focus on understanding both overlapping and distinct symptomatology and applying appropriate clinical and forensic interventions.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Psychologists (clinical, developmental, and related specialties)
    • Social Workers
    • Counselors
    • Marriage and Family Therapists
    • Allied Mental Health Professionals

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of experience with ASD and FASD.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to the clinical or forensic assessment and treatment of ASD and FASD and seek foundational knowledge of symptomatology, screening, and intervention options.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some experience working with individuals with ASD and/or FASD and are looking to deepen their understanding of differential diagnosis, comorbidity, and evidence-based practices in applied settings.

    • Advanced: Participants have extensive experience with ASD and FASD in clinical or forensic contexts and seek to refine their expertise in complex case conceptualization, advanced assessment, and intervention strategies.

  • Practice Setting

    Participants typically work in clinical, community, educational, healthcare, and justice-system settings serving individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. These environments emphasize interdisciplinary assessment, differential diagnosis, and intervention for ASD and FASD across the lifespan, delivered in person or via telehealth.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Outpatient mental health clinics
    • Hospital-based psychiatry/neuropsychology services
    • Community mental health centers
    • School-based services and early intervention programs
    • Private practice and telehealth
    • University/teaching clinics
    • Integrated primary care/behavioral health
    • Residential treatment centers
    • Developmental disability service agencies
    • Juvenile justice, courts, and correctional behavioral health
Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD

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, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). Jerrod has also conducted over 200 workshops, webinars, and on-demand training for various organizations and professional and student audiences. 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. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing a graduate certificate in Neuroscience and Law from Michigan State University. 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 is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs. 


Jerrod has also completed specialized trainings and certifications in the following areas: 

Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor (CFNC) through Functional Nutrition Alliance 

Integrative Adult Sleep Coach Certification Program. A 12-month, in-depth, comprehensive training program 

Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies. A 7-month online post-graduate training program 

Certified Neurodiversity Professional 

Professional Certification in Trauma & Resilience: Level One 

Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist 

Certification as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist through Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center Rochester, Minnesota 

Brain Health Coaching Certification Course 

Certified Digestive Health Specialist through the Institute of Transformational Nutrition 

Gut Health Specialist Certification 

Stress and Mindset Coach Certification 

Holistic Health Coach Certification 

Certified Sleep Science Coach

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).


Sponsorship Approval Statements

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), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7190. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Palo Alto University, #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. Palo Alto University 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. Continuing and Professional Studies, Palo Alto University, is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0103. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT), 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. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies, is recognized by 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.