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 designed 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 settings.

  • Experience Level

    • Intermediate to advanced professionals

    • Participants should have foundational knowledge of cognitive assessment and mental health practice

    • Ideal for those with experience in forensic, clinical, or neuropsychological settings

  • Practice Setting

    • Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists

    • Neuropsychologists

    • Developmental psychologists

    • Clinical social workers

    • Allied professionals working in:

    • Forensic hospitals

    • Correctional facilities

    • Community mental health centers

    • Schools (with forensic or legal involvement)

    • Court 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:

  • Executive function

  • Theory of mind

  • Relevant research

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.