Non-Violent Resistance and Neurodiversity introduces Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) as a parenting approach for
neurodiverse families, where one or more members is autistic or has an intellectual
disability. These families often face difficulties such as increased levels of distressed
behaviour, challenges in emotional regulation, isolation and higher parental stress.
NVR is a therapeutic approach that is designed to manage such issues and strengthen
relationships through positive authority and without punitive measures. Importantly
for neurodiverse families, NVR methods do not depend heavily on the spoken word.
NVR is a relatively new intervention and research is ongoing, but results to date have
shown its effectiveness in reducing childhood aggression, increasing parental
confidence, improving family relationships and managing stress. Drawing on these
studies along with practice-based examples, NVR expert Sophie Doswell shows how
the approach can be effectively adapted for any neurodiverse family, and provides a
roadmap for restoring balance through safety, trust, empowerment and connection.
By:
Sophie Doswell
Imprint: Pavilion Publishing (Brighton) Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
ISBN: 9781803884660
ISBN 10: 1803884665
Pages: 200
Publication Date: 01 April 2026
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
Foreword Preface 1. An introduction to Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) parenting and why it is useful for families with an autistic member and/or a member with intellectual disability 2. Non-Violent Resistance parenting with families with an autistic member 3. Non-Violent Resistance parenting when a person has an intellectual disability 4. Organisational considerations when implementing Non-Violent Resistance parenting 5. The evidence base for Non-Violent Resistance parenting including when an individual is autistic and/or has an intellectual disability 6. Supporting the implementation of Non Violent Resistance parenting through Training, Supervision, Consultation and Coaching References
SOPHIE DOSWELL is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. She oversees services for adults with neurodevelopmental conditions, including within inpatient and community services and assessment, post diagnostic, therapeutic and crisis services. She has over twenty-five years of experience working in services for autistic people and individuals with intellectual disability, and from 2020-23 was Chair of the BPS Faculty for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Sophie is an NVR Accredited Practitioner and Supervisor who has used Non-Violent Resistance with families since 2019, both within the NHS and within a Community Interest Company. She has presented on this topic at national conferences and has published in professional journals. She is a member of Non-Violent Resistance UK.