1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Suggestibility among Individuals with Neurobehavioral and Neurocognitive Disorders: Clinical and Forensic Considerations is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.  

Neurobehavioral and neurocognitive disorders may result from brain diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis and dementia), injury (e.g., traumatic brain injuries), or other genetic and environmental causes. These disorders are often characterized by impairments in executive function, memory, behavioral control, and social and adaptive functioning. As a result of these symptoms, neurobehavioral and neurocognitive disorders may predispose an individual to suggestibility. This vulnerability is very concerning in forensic and legal settings where the risk of suggestibility is exacerbated by situational features such as repeated and leading questioning. The consequences of such disturbances in legal settings can be as serious as false confessions and wrongful convictions. This program is intended to increase familiarity with the potential role of neurobehavioral and neurocognitive disorders in suggestibility. Topics addressed include defining neurobehavioral and neurocognitive disorders, exploring the causes of suggestibility in individuals with these disorders, and identifying ways to minimize suggestibility in individuals with neurobehavioral and neurocognitive disorders.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe how neurobehavioral and neurocognitive disorders contribute to suggestibility
  • 2 Describe the consequences of suggestibility among clients with neurobehavioral and neurocognitive in forensic and legal settings
  • 3 Describe screening and assessment options for neurobehavioral and neurocognitive along with suggestibility

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for mental health and legal professionals who want to understand how neurobehavioral and neurocognitive disorders can increase vulnerability to suggestibility. It is designed for those specializing in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, psychiatry, or law, with a focus on assessment, evaluation, and decision-making related to individuals with cognitive or behavioral impairments.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professional
    • Forensic Psychologist
    • Clinical Psychologist
    • Neuropsychologist
    • Psychiatrist
    • Attorney or Legal Professional
    • Professional specializing in assessment and evaluation of cognitive or behavioral impairments

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals with varying levels of experience in neurobehavioral and neurocognitive disorders and their implications for suggestibility in forensic and legal contexts.

      Beginner: Participants new to neurobehavioral and neurocognitive disorders or suggestibility, seeking foundational knowledge about definitions, causes, and basic assessment strategies.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals who participate in this training typically work in environments where assessment, evaluation, and decision-making regarding individuals with cognitive or behavioral impairments are central. These settings often involve high-stakes situations, such as forensic evaluations, competency assessments, expert testimony, and clinical consultations. The environment is often interdisciplinary, requiring collaboration among mental health professionals, legal experts, and medical staff to address complex neurobehavioral and neurocognitive issues, particularly as they relate to vulnerability to suggestibility in legal contexts.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Forensic psychiatric hospitals or secure units
    • Court clinics or legal consultation offices
    • Private neuropsychological or psychological assessment practices
    • Correctional facilities or juvenile detention centers
    • Academic medical centers or university-affiliated research clinics
    • Community mental health centers specializing in cognitive or behavioral disorders
    • Law firms or public defender’s offices with a focus on mental health law
    • Government agencies conducting competency or capacity evaluations for HTML.
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. 


Jerrod has also completed specialized trainings and certifications in the following areas: 

Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor (CFNC) through Functional Nutrition Alliance 

Integrative Adult Sleep Coach Certification Program. A 12-month, in-depth, comprehensive training program 

Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies. A 7-month online post-graduate training program 

Certified Neurodiversity Professional 

Professional Certification in Trauma & Resilience: Level One 

Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist 

Certification as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist through Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center Rochester, Minnesota 

Brain Health Coaching Certification Course 

Certified Digestive Health Specialist through the Institute of Transformational Nutrition 

Gut Health Specialist Certification 

Stress and Mindset Coach Certification 

Holistic Health Coach Certification 

Certified Sleep Science Coach

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.