Behavioral Interventions Expert Witnesses

Pediatric Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry - autism, intellectual disability, aggression, self-injurious behavior, challenging behaviors, psychopharmacology, behavioral interventions, catatonia, electroconvulsive therapy, restraint and seclusion, residential treatment

I have worked for the past 17 years managing an inpatient hospital unit dedicated to the care of children, adolescents and young adults with autism and other forms of neurodevelopmental disability who present with comorbid psychiatric and behavioral pathology. I have extensive experience in the psychopharmacological and behavioral management of such youth, as well as the myriad complementary interventions and services they may require. I am very familiar with the standard of care for such individuals in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including usage of restraint and seclusion, as well as issues related to school and residential placements. I have additional expertise in pediatric catatonia, and the usage of electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of childhood mood, psychotic and catatonic disorders. I have provided expert witness services over the past 8 years in a variety of cases involving best clinical and educational practices, psychopharmacology, restraint and s...

Education & Schools, School Safety - Special education law, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), IEP (Individualized Education Program), FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), LRE (Least Restrictive Environment), Disability categories, Educational assessments, Behavioral interventions, Inclusion strategies, ADA

Highly qualified and experienced professional in the field of Special Education, possessing a comprehensive educational background and a wealth of practical expertise. Dr. Jacobs holds multiple certifications in the state of New Jersey, including Teacher of Students with Disabilities, Teacher of History, Teacher of English, Supervisor, Director/Principal, and School Superintendent. Dr Jacobs' experience includes serving as a teacher of multiple disabled students and students with emotional regulation impairments, a supervisor of Special Education at Lindenwold Public Schools. In this role, he demonstrated exceptional leadership by overseeing 600 student Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), managing special education program development, and ensuring compliance with NJAC6a-14. Currently, Dr. Jacobs is serving as the Director of Special Services for the Mainland Regional School District, overseeing all aspects of special education, including teachers, classroom aides, and nur...