Autobiographical accounts and a limited research literature suggest that adults with autism spectrum disorders can experience difficulties with decision-making. We examined whether some of the difficulties they describe correspond to quantifiable differences in decision-making when compared to adults in the general population. The participants (38 intellectually able adults with autism spectrum disorders and 40 neurotypical adults) were assessed on three tasks of decision-making (Iowa Gambling Task, Cambridge Gamble Task and Information Sampling Task), which quantified, respectively, decision-making performance and relative attention to negative and positive outcomes, speed and flexibility, and information sampling. As a caution, all analyses were repeated with a subset of participants ( n = 29 and n = 39) who were not taking antidepressant or anxiolytic medication. Compared to the neurotypical participants, participants with autism spectrum disorders demonstrated slower decision-making on the Cambridge Gamble Task, and superior performance on the Iowa Gambling Task. When those taking the medications were excluded, participants with autism spectrum disorders also sampled more information. There were no other differences between the groups. These processing tendencies may contribute to the difficulties self-reported in some contexts; however, the results also highlight strengths in autism spectrum disorders, such as a more logical approach to, and care in, decision-making. The findings lead to recommendations for how adults with autism spectrum disorders may be better supported with decision-making.

Through in-depth analysis of parental experiences, UYCB appears to achieve its aims and communicate well its theoretical principles, although change may also occur through processes common to other group programmes (e.g. social support). Recommendations, stemming from the experiences of these parents, include simplified language, separate groups for parents with complex needs, greater emphasis on the importance of perseverance, and additional support for parents who appear to be struggling to make changes.

Non-violent resistance (NVR) therapy is a parenting intervention increasingly used for violent and/or controlling behaviour by adopted children. However, little is known about adoptive parents’ experiences of using it. In this study, semi-structured interviews with 10 mothers were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four superordinate themes were identified: (1) The importance of values: experiences of NVR are underpinned by the fit between personal values and those of NVR; (2) NVR is hard work; (3) Providing hope for change; (4) A spectrum of success. Results indicated that if the NVR approach is aligned with mothers’ values, it is experienced as an effective intervention for child–to–parent violence (CPV). In addition, while considerable effort is required to ‘do’ NVR, it becomes easier as it is unconsciously incorporated into practice. These findings add to the emerging evidence-base for NVR, complementing empirical studies that have shown it to successfully reduce CPV. These findings may also help clinicians prepare adoptive parents for the challenge of using it.