1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Executive Dysfunction and Theory of Mind (ToM) Deficits in Clinical and Forensic Populations is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

Executive function and theory of mind are influential cognitive capabilities in both clinical and forensic settings. Executive function includes an array of cognitive abilities such as information processing, attentional control, working memory, and self-monitoring. These abilities are essential for an individual to think abstractly, control impulses, and adapt to different social situations and environmental settings. Developing quickly during early childhood, the executive function sets the stage for the emergence of other important abilities, including theory of mind. Theory of mind is an individual’s capacity to understand the mental states of themselves and others. Here, mental states include thoughts, feelings, and desires. The development of theory of mind begins slowly during infancy and increases dramatically between the ages of 3 and 7. Theory of mind is essential for everything from anticipating the actions and reactions of others to establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Deficits in theory of mind result in a number of developmental concerns, including making it difficult for a person to understand the perspectives and intentions of others. Deficits in executive function and theory of mind are particularly problematic in clinical and forensic settings. For example, individuals with such deficits are often ill-equipped to make legal decisions, such as waving Miranda rights and the right to an attorney. Further, these individuals may be prone to over-confessing, suggestibility, and confabulation during interrogations and investigative interviews.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe executive function and theory of mind
  • 2 Describe the role of executive function in the development of theory of mind
  • 3 Describe how executive function and theory of mind impact criminal justice and forensic mental health populations
  • 4 List ways to minimize the consequences of executive function and theory of mind deficits in clinical and forensic settings
  • 5 Describe empirically-based research findings in this area

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for mental health and allied professionals who assess and support individuals with executive function and theory of mind deficits, particularly when these challenges intersect with legal or forensic issues. The program emphasizes the evaluation of cognitive functioning and its influence on decision-making, communication, and social understanding in forensic and clinical contexts.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Forensic psychologists
    • Forensic psychiatrists
    • Neuropsychologists
    • Developmental psychologists
    • Clinical social workers

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of experience with executive function and theory of mind in clinical and forensic contexts.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to the concepts of executive function and theory of mind and seek foundational knowledge about their definitions, development, and relevance in mental health and forensic settings.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some familiarity with executive function and theory of mind and are looking to deepen their understanding of how these cognitive abilities impact clinical and forensic populations, including practical strategies to address related deficits.

  • Practice Setting

    Practitioners work in interdisciplinary clinical, legal, and correctional environments conducting evaluations, treatment planning, and consultation focused on executive function and theory of mind deficits. Their work centers on how cognitive abilities influence decision-making, communication, suggestibility, and social understanding in contexts where findings may inform risk assessment, capacity, and legal proceedings.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Forensic hospitals and secure psychiatric units
    • Correctional facilities (jails and prisons)
    • Court clinics and competency/fitness-to-stand-trial programs
    • Juvenile justice settings and detention centers
    • Child advocacy centers and forensic interview programs
    • Community mental health centers and outpatient clinics
    • Academic medical centers and inpatient neuropsychology/psychiatry services
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. 

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.