Autism and Threat Assessment Training - Atlantic County

Autism and Threat Assessment

Date(s) & Time(s)

July 11, 2025   ~  9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Workshop Description

Dr. Stephanie Leite is a forensic psychologist holding licenses in many states, including Connecticut, New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Dr. Leite has worked with high-risk children, adolescents, and adults for over 25 years, focusing on the prevention of violence and specializing in threat assessment and management. In addition, Dr. Leite is the past president of the New England Chapter of Threat Assessment Professionals, the past president of the forensic division of the Connecticut Psychological Association, and is affiliated with the University of Hartford and Columbia University.

To the neurotypical eye, autistic behavior can be unsettling, and unsettling behavior can seem dangerous. Dr. Leite has seen 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. In this presentation, Dr. Leite will cover general information on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and crime, carefully explain the difference between ASD and psychopathic behavior, and use research to identify factors that create greater and less risk in the population. Real-life case studies will be reviewed, including information from the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission?s report. Dr. Leite will also discuss threat assessment with other neurodiverse populations such as ADHD, as well as the way developmental disabilities can impact threat assessment. In the afternoon, participants will work on a case from start to finish, applying this new knowledge to the case material. Special focus will be given to the management part of the process. Participants will walk away with skills, knowledge, and resources.

School Safety Specialists will receive training hours for attending this presentation.

Location

Southern Regional Institute & ETTC Stockton University
10 West Jimmie Leeds Road
Galloway, NJ 08205

Registration

Registration is open until July 5, 2025.
There are currently 78 seats available.

>> Online Registration

Contact Information

Karen Carella
Office of School Preparedness & Emergency Planning
200 Riverview Plaza
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-376-3574

>> school.security@doe.nj.gov