Non-violent resistance parent training for the parents of young adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

A ‘dependence trap’ between parents and young adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HF-ASD) develops when parents accommodate to the needs of their grown-up child in ways that may hinder development and cause distress. Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) parent training may help parents reduce their accommodation, manage arising conflicts through de-escalation techniques, and amass external support for themselves and their child. Parents of four young adults with HF-ASD received a ten-week modified NVR parent training. Cases were evaluated through semi-structured interviews and self-report questionnaires. The parents reported improved independent functioning, reduced parental helplessness and accommodation, and enhanced support. Questionnaires showed improvements in reported parental hopefulness and reduced parental depression. Practitioner points: Families with a grown-up child with HF-ASD may be characterised by excessive parental accommodation that is detrimental to optimal functioning Accommodation increases dependence, which in turn requires continued accommodation, forming a ‘dependence trap’ NVR parent training may help parents to young adults with HF-ASD reduce parental accommodation, helplessness and depression, while improving hopefulness and adaptation.