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Forensic Evaluation of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders & Intellectual Disabilities

Forensic Evaluation of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders & Intellectual Disabilities

Live online training

June 1, 2023, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

REGISTER HERE >>

This one-day, live online training brings together experts on forensic evaluation of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or intellectual disabilities (ID). This program begins with a comprehensive introduction to how these special populations may come to interact with the criminal legal system, with a particular focus on the potential for reduced criminal responsibility. A clinical neuropsychologist then discusses assessment challenges when investigating ASD/ID in the forensic context. The program concludes with a discussion of the community supports and treatment options available for forensic populations with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

While content is broadly applicable, Virginia evaluators may be particularly interested in the new Virginia statutes §19.2-303.6 and §19.2-271.6. These statutes allow for deferred disposition and admissibility of mental health evidence to negate criminal intent for individuals with diagnoses of ASD and ID.

The schedule of talks is as follows:

  • Dr. Sara Boyd: “Introduction to Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities & the Criminal Legal System”

  • Dr. Matthew Lerner: “Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders & the Criminal Legal System”

  • Dr. Joette James: “Assessing Intellectual Disabilities & Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Forensic Context”

  • Dr. Rebecca Yount: “Community Forensic Challenges for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities”

Please click here (PDF) for a detailed schedule of the day.

This intermediate program is well-suited for juvenile and adult forensic evaluators, forensic treatment providers, correctional staff, attorneys, and others who interact with individuals with ASD and ID who are involved in the criminal legal system. Please click here (PDF) for learning objectives.

The Instructors

Matthew Lerner, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology, Psychiatry, & Pediatrics in the Psychology Department at Stony Brook University, where he directs the Social Competence and Treatment Lab. He also holds an appointment in the Stony Brook Neurosciences Institute. A national expert on social-emotional disorders, Dr. Lerner’s research seeks to understand the nature of peer relations and social competency deficits that emerge in childhood and adolescence, particularly among children with autism spectrum disorders and ADHD.

Sara Boyd, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed clinical psychologist, board-certified forensic psychologist, and associate faculty at the Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy (ILPPP) at the University of Virginia. One of her primary specialties is intellectual and developmental disabilities. She conducts civil and criminal forensic evaluations of children, adolescents, and adults, including Atkins and Special Education due process evaluators for individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Joette James, PhD, ABPP-CN, is a clinical neuropsychologist with a specialization in assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities. Dr. James is on faculty at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, and holds an appointment as Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics at George Washington University. She also is on the medical staff a HSC Pediatric Center, a pediatric rehabilitation facility in Washington, D.C.

Rebecca Yount, PsyD, is an experienced clinical, consulting, and school psychologist and school administrator with a specialty in intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to conducting forensic evaluations, Dr. Yount consults with residential providers, government agencies, and day programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness. She also works closely with interdisciplinary teams, D.C. Quality Trust, and attorneys to develop Medicaid Waiver-compliant Individual Support Plans, Behavior Support plans, and other services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Neither the instructors nor the program planning committee (Daniel Murrie, Ph.D., Lucy Guarnera, Ph.D., & Angela Torres, Ph.D.) have any conflicts of interest or commercial support to disclose.

Continuing Education

Participants are eligible for up to 6 hours of continuing education credits (CEUs) approved by the American Psychological Association (APA). ILPPP is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. ILPPP maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer continuing education for psychiatrists, attorneys, or social workers at this time. Please contact us with any questions.

Training Fees

  • $225: Standard registration

  • $95: Employees of Virginia DBHDS or a Community Services Board (CSB)

Please note that the reduced rate is available only for DBHDS and CSB employees, rather than all state employees, because DBHDS partially sponsors this training program.

Occasionally large facilities or state agencies outside Virginia want to send a team of trainees, for whom we can arrange a discounted group rate. Please contact us to discuss such arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the start of the training. All cancellations are assessed a $50 cancellation fee to cover administrative costs.

Please allow 30 days to receive a refund. Refunds will be processed according to the original payment method.

How to Register

Click the button below to register via UVA’s secure payment page. Approximately one week prior to the training, you will receive an email with detailed attendance instructions and Zoom link. Please contact juvenile training coordinator Dr. Lucy Guarnera with questions.

Your credit card statement will read “UVA ILPPP PROGRAM CONF FEES” for this purchase.

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May 22

Juvenile Forensic Evaluation: Principles & Practice

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July 19

Principles and Practice of Forensic Evaluation: Adult Defendants