1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Suggestibility is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a complex and lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Individuals with FASD often experience a diverse set of clinical symptoms, including executive function (e.g., cognitive flexibility, inhibition, working memory) and adaptive functioning (independent living skills, communication, social skill ability) limitations. Further, individuals with FASD often present with co-occurring psychiatric (e.g., anxiety and depression) and medical health disorders (e.g., sleep disorders). As a result of FASD and these comorbid conditions, along with other individuals- and environmental-level factors, individuals with FASD are at an elevated risk of suggestibility. Suggestibility is the predisposition to (a) accept inaccurate information as accurate and then (b) incorporate this inaccurate information into one’s own memories of an event. Susceptibility to suggestibility places an individual with FASD at significant disadvantages throughout all stages of the criminal justice (e.g., arrest, investigative interviews, confinement, probation, and parole), forensic mental health (e.g., screening, evaluation, risk assessment, and treatment), and legal systems (e.g., trial, cross-examination, and sentencing). Intended for professionals working in these settings, this training is designed to foster greater awareness and understanding of FASD and suggestibility while identifying ways to conduct interviews in a manner that minimizes the risk of suggestibility and increases the chances of gaining accurate and factually correct information. Topics such as confabulation, adverse childhood experiences, attachment issues, executive function, Theory of Mind (ToM), and language development are also discussed in the context of their relation to FASD and suggestibility. Empirically-based research findings and case study examples will be highlighted throughout this training.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe the symptoms and red flag indicators of FASD
  • 2 Describe ways to improve the identification of FASD in criminal justice and forensic mental health settings
  • 3 Describe the role of FASD in suggestibility
  • 4 Describe skills that minimize the risk of suggestibility among persons with FASD
  • 5 Describe the empirically-based literature associated with FASD and suggestibility

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for mental health and allied professionals who support individuals impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), particularly within criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal contexts. It is tailored for those specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, executive functioning, and suggestibility, and who work with individuals affected by FASD in a variety of professional roles.


    Examples of Relevant Professionals:
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Forensic psychologists
    • Psychiatrists
    • Neuropsychologists
    • Counselors
    • Clinical social workers
    • Allied professionals in legal, educational, or social service fields
    • Professionals working with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially FASD

  • Experience Level

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

    • Beginner: Participants are new to FASD and suggestibility, seeking foundational knowledge of symptoms, risk factors, and basic interview strategies.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some experience with FASD or forensic mental health, aiming to deepen their understanding of empirically-based practices and refine their skills in identifying and minimizing suggestibility.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals apply this training in multidisciplinary, justice-involved clinical and legal environments where individuals with FASD are assessed, interviewed, and supported across investigative, evaluative, treatment, and decision-making processes. Work occurs in both community-based and institutional contexts that require structured, trauma-informed approaches to reduce suggestibility and accommodate executive and adaptive functioning needs.


    Examples of Practice Settings:
    • Forensic mental health clinics and hospitals
    • Correctional and detention facilities
    • Law enforcement investigative/interview units
    • Courts and specialty dockets/diversion programs
    • Probation and parole services
    • Public defender, prosecution, and legal aid offices
    • Community mental health and neuropsychological assessment centers
    • Child welfare, family services, and reentry programs

Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD Pathways Counseling Center, Inc.

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.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Jerrod Brown, PhD

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.