An Updated Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Assessment Protocol for the Forensic Context (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Presenters: Patricia Mittelstadt, PhD, M.S., ABPdN and Ananda Walker

1 CE Available

Abstract:

Over recent decades, groups of researchers have been incorporating increasing knowledge about fetal alcohol syndrome and its impact on behaviors in the context of forensic issues. One of the teams that has been studying this at the University of Washington has recently expanded its recommendations for its forensic protocol that assesses for fetal alcohol syndrome to include a biopsychosocial and multidisciplinary approach. This protocol improves post-evaluation recommendations and hopes to reduce the risk of future forensic involvement.

Level of Activity: Intermediate

Objectives:

1) Explain why it is important to have a multidisciplinary approach when assessing FAS in the forensic context.

2) List several steps in the evolving forensic protocol for assessing and identifying FASD in a forensic population.

3) Identify the diagnoses on the spectrum of FASD.

4) Discuss the potential sources of bias and how they are important within the context of an assessment related to FASD.

About Patricia Mittelstadt, PhD, M.S., ABPdN:

Dr. Patricia Mittelstadt is a pediatric neuropsychologist in private practice, where she assesses children, adolescents, and young adults. She is the Past President of the AAPdN Board and is currently the chair of the AAPdN Continuing Education Committee. Her interests lie in High Functioning Autism, LD, ADHD, Gifted Students with Co-Existing Issues, neurodevelopmental and neurogenetic disorders, and dealing with the Aftereffects of Medical Issues such as Concussion, Prematurity, Seizures, Brain tumors, Cancer, and Immune Disorders.

About Ananda Walker:

Ananda Walker is a fourth-year Psychology and Criminology, Law, and Society double major at UC Irvine. Her interests include forensic assessment, eyewitness testimony reliability, and how neurodevelopmental and intellectual disorders affect delinquent behavior in legal contexts. She previously worked in UCI's Social Inequality Lab and is currently a Research Assistant in the THRIVE Lab on campus. She is also an intern with the AAPdN, supporting the production and promotion of Continuing Education events.

The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

AAPdN is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0059. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

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An Updated Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Assessment Protocol for the Forensic Context (17 Nov 2026)