1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Trauma in Psycholegal Settings is presented by Jerrod Brown, Ph.D.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by atypical functioning of the brain and neurological system. Common examples of these disorders include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and intellectual and developmental disability (IDD).  Individuals diagnosed with these neurodevelopmental disorders typically experience a host of cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social deficits, including an increased likelihood of experiencing trauma (e.g., adverse childhood experiences, peer victimization, and social exclusion) relative to the general population. This elevated risk for trauma exposure likely exacerbates underlining emotional, social, behavioral, learning, and physical health challenges in this population. This program focuses on increasing awareness of the impact trauma has on persons diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder and the implications these topics have on criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings. Special emphasis is placed on implications for interviewing, screening, intake, intervention and discharge planning throughout this program. Empirically based research findings and case study examples are highlighted throughout this program.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe and distinguish neurodevelopmental disorders
  • 2 Describe common sleep-related disorders
  • 3 Describe screening options to identify trauma histories among persons diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder
  • 4 Describe best practices for minimizing the consequences associated with trauma among persons diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder who become involved in psycholegal settings
  • 5 Describe key research findings, statistics, and concepts associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and trauma in psycholegal settings

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of how neurodevelopmental disorders and trauma intersect, especially within forensic and legal settings. It is ideal for those working with individuals affected by neurodevelopmental challenges and trauma, and who may encounter these issues in clinical, forensic, or community contexts. The training is relevant for practitioners at any career stage, from early-career to experienced professionals, and is especially valuable for those specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, forensic mental health, clinical psychology, social work, and criminal justice interventions.

  • Experience Level

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

    • No prior specialization in forensic or neurodevelopmental fields required

  • Practice Setting

    • Psychologists (clinical, forensic, neuropsychologists)
    • Social workers (clinical, forensic, community-based)
    • Counselors (mental health, trauma, forensic)
    • Case managers, behavioral health specialists, and other helping professionals

    • Professionals working in:
    • Mental health clinics
    • Forensic or correctional settings
    • Hospitals
    • Community-based organizations
    • Legal or criminal justice 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:

  • Defines neurodevelopmental disorders and highlights common examples

  • Examines the elevated risk of trauma exposure in this population, including adverse childhood experiences, peer victimization, and social exclusion

  • Explores how trauma exacerbates emotional, social, behavioral, learning, and physical health challenges

  • Focuses on implications for criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings

  • Emphasizes practical applications in interviewing, screening, intake, intervention, and discharge planning, supported by research findings and case study examples

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.