3 Hours / 3 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on That Which We Do Not Know: Autism and Threat is presented by Stephanie Leite, PhD.

What are we scared of? We are scared of the unknown, of things that are different, of things we do not understand. So autistic people are often the focus of threat assessment investigations. To the neurotypical eye, autistic behavior can be unsettling, and unsettling behavior can seem dangerous. Dr. Leite is a psychologist who specializes in threat assessment and management. She has had a disproportionate number of referrals that include individuals who are socially different than others, who have been diagnosed with autism, and who make others uneasy. 

Diving into the topic, Dr. Leite covers general information on ASD and crime, carefully explains the difference between ASD and psychopathic behavior, and uses research to identify factors that create greater and less risk in the population. Participants review the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission’s report, applying new knowledge to the report. The program concludes with a tabletop exercise utilizing breakout rooms for an interactive and boisterous finale.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe the difference between autism and psychopathic behavior
  • 2 Describe the warning signs of increased risk of violence in an ASD population
  • 3 Describe the established questions and rubrics for determining the level of risk
  • 4 Describe a threat assessment model to explain the risk of violence

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health professionals—specifically psychologists, social workers, and counselors—who work with individuals on the autism spectrum in forensic, clinical, or community settings. The course focuses on the unique aspects of threat assessment for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), helping professionals accurately distinguish between behaviors related to autism and those that may signal genuine risk. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based evaluation, risk management, and best practices for working with forensic or clinical populations.

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable forIntermediate to advanced practitioners with experience in mental health, forensic, or clinical assessment.

  • Practice Setting

    • Psychologists, social workers, and counselors

    • Professionals working in forensic, clinical, or community settings

    • Those involved in threat assessment, risk management, or behavioral evaluation

    • Individuals who work with or assess people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Presented By

Stephanie Leite, PhD, Principal at Forensic Intelligence, LLC

Dr. Stephanie Leite is the principal at Forensic Intelligence, LLC. She has worked with high-risk children, adolescents, and adults for over 25 years focusing on the prevention of violence. She is a psychologist holding licenses in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. She has spoken internationally on her favorite topics. She is the current president of the New England Chapter of Threat Assessment Professionals, the president of the forensic division of the Connecticut Psychological Association, and is affiliated with the University of Hartford and Columbia University. She loves complex chewy cases and is always available and approachable.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Stephanie Leite, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Introduction to threat assessment concepts

  • The intersection of autism and threat

  • Case examples with a practical application

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.