2 Hours / 2 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Interviewing Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by communication and social skills deficits, cognitive rigidity, and a wide range of co-occurring emotional, behavioral, and physical health symptoms. These deficits can contribute to issues with impulsivity, sensory overload, decision-making, long-term planning, linking cause-and-effect, and understanding consequences. Struggles with the theory of mind, adaptive function, implicit understanding, and executive function are commonplace among those with autism. These struggles are particularly salient for interviews conducted in three settings: (1) healthcare, where the ability to provide personal information can impede accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment; (2) employment, where unsuccessful job interviews exacerbate already high levels of underemployment among those with autism, and (3) criminal justice, where inaccurate information can lead to miscarriages of justice like wrongful convictions. This program is intended for professionals who conduct interviews in these various settings. Empirically based research findings and case studies are utilized throughout this program to enhance learning outcomes.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe the diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • 2 Describe the neurocognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical health symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • 3 Describe interviewing strategies that can be utilized to improve outcomes for persons with autism in criminal justice, mental health, educational, and employment settings.
  • 4 Examine empirically-based research findings

  • Intended Audience

    This training program is designed for professionals who conduct interviews across healthcare, employment, and criminal justice settings, with a particular focus on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is suitable for individuals at various stages of their careers and is especially relevant for those specializing in psychology, social work, education, occupational therapy, human resources, or forensic practice. The program is also intended for mental health and allied professionals working within healthcare and criminal justice systems, providing them with specialized skills to effectively engage with individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions.

  • Experience Level

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

  • Practice Setting

    • Professionals conducting interviews in:
    • Healthcare settings
    • Employment/human resources
    • Criminal justice (law enforcement, legal, corrections)
    • Clinical, forensic, organizational, and community environments

    • Specialists in:
    • Psychology
    • Social work
    • Education
    • Occupational therapy
    • Human resources
    • Forensic practice

    • Mental health and allied professionals, especially those in healthcare and criminal justice systems
    • Those with an emphasis or interest in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

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:

  • Diagnostic features of ASD

  • Neurocognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical health symptoms

  • Interviewing strategies

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.