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 designed for mental health and allied professionals who work with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. The program focuses on enhancing participants’ ability to assess, differentiate, and intervene with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), with attention to both overlapping and distinct features. Participants will gain practical skills for clinical and forensic settings, as well as educational and community environments.

  • Experience Level

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

    • Beginner-level clinicians – building foundational skills in ASD and FASD

    • Intermediate-level clinicians – strengthening assessment and intervention approaches
    • Advanced-level clinicians – refining expertise for complex and diverse cases

  • Practice Setting

    • Clinical (outpatient, inpatient, private practice)
    • Educational (schools, special education programs)
    • Forensic (legal, correctional, or court-involved settings)
    • Community-based organizations

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:

  • Symptomatology between ASD and FASD

  • Links between ASD and FASD

  • Differences between ASD 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.