In 2025 FASD-CAN invited Dr David Junior Gilbert to Aotearoa NZ to present his research on FASD in the Criminal Justice System (CJS). Our Tāmaki Makaurau Navigator, Anna Gundesen, interviewed him.

Anna and Gilbert (his preferred name) discussed why people with FASD are 19 times more likely to encounter the CJS and the executive functioning vulnerabilities that contribute to this. Interrogative suggestibility, acquiescence and compliance are often seen in CJS interviews of those with FASD, and Gilbert highlights the value of caregiver/parent testimonies and of creating protective behaviours to help avoid justice encounters – or mitigate tragic outcomes.

Click here to register and watch.