Dobromiła Smolak, MA, has 14 years of experience of working with children with autism spectrum disorder using relationship-based approach. She has provided individual and group therapy as the Special Education Teacher in The Maltese Centre in Kraków, Poland. What is more, she works with parents of children with developmental difficulties as the Video Interaction Trainer. She is also passionate about giving trainings for therapists and parents.She graduated from The Pedagogical University in Kraków with a master degree in Special Pedagogy. She has also a postgraduate diploma in Art Therapy and is a certified Video Interaction Trainer.
Some of the trainings and workshops that she has conducted in Poland, Ukraine and Denmark:
Building Interaction with Children with ASD using the Non-directive Approach
Working on Challenging Behaviours with Children with ASD
Video Interaction Training - a Way to Support Parents
Working in the Preschool with the Use of „3i” Approach
Relationship-based approach
The relationship between the adult and the child is a secure base for the therapy. It is very important when we want to work on:
communication
building interactions with others
flexibility of behaviours
As we know, the basic activity of every child is play. This is also the way to gain very important skills, like imitating, developing motor skills, using imagination, preparing to social roles etc.We begin with building relationship in the area that is highly comfortable for a child. We use the child’s motivation and natural reinforcers because we want to have an involved, satisfied and social learner.Step by step, we work on flexibility of a child’s interests and everyday routines. We also encourage a child to use spontaneous communication and to have more social initiations. We use natural situations to name emotions of people and to teach how to cope with them in acceptable way, which reduces challenging behaviours.The main goal of relationship-based approach is to prepare a child to take part in different social situations and to have satisfying interactions with adults and peers.
Parent consultations based on Video Interaction Training
Video Interaction Training (VIT) is a method of working with parents and professionals who want to improve their interactions with children. The Trainer makes a short video recording of a parent being in a natural situation with their child. During the next session, the Trainer and the parent watch the extracts of the recording that show the elements of communication they will work on. There are a few sessions of recording and analysing established.The method is a good way not only to improve social interactions and communication skills but also to reduce challenging behaviours of children. It also enhances self-confidence of parents as they watch themselves creating positive moments of interaction..
The consultations are available across Europe.
To arrange the consultations, please contact: [email protected]
Available seminars for parents and professionals
Developing the Potential of Children with Autism through Play
The training is suitable for therapists, school and pre-school teachers, parents and anyone who wants to gain basic knowledge on working with children with ASD using relationship-based approach.The participants will have a chance to try the strategies in practice during the workshop part. They will also analyse the video material showing the trainer working with children with ASD..
Contents:
Autism spectrum – definitions and main characteristics based on current classifications.
Relationship-based approach – the basic principles.
Play as the main activity to build relationship with a child.
Stages of developing relationship (from repetitive interests to interactive play).
Working on communication skills with verbal and non-verbal children.
Practical suggestions on environmental changes and toys.
Working on Challenging Behaviours with Children with ASD using Relationship Based Approach
The training is suitable for therapists, school and pre-school teachers, parents and volunteers working with children with ASD.The participants will have a chance to discuss the challenging behaviours of the children they work with. They will also analyse the video material showing the trainer working with children with ASD..
Contents:
Social functioning of the child with ASD.
The needs of the child in the physical and psychological areas.
The causes of the challenging behaviours.
Preventing the challenging behaviours.
Working in the team - building the strategy with parents and therapeutic team.
Analysis of the cases.
Working in the Preschool with the Child with ASD using the Relationship Based Approach
The training is suitable for pre-school teachers working with children with ASD.The participants will have a chance to try the strategies in practice during the workshop part. They will also analyse the video material showing the trainer working with children with ASD..
Contents:
Relationship-based approach – the basic principles.
Play as the main activity to build relationship with a child.
Stages of developing relationship (from repetitive interests to interactive play).
Using the relationship-based approach while working with the group.
Practical suggestions on environmental changes and toys.
Workshops are available across Europe.
To arrange a seminar, please contact: [email protected]
Testimonials
“For the first time in our life we went for holidays together”~ parents of the boy with behaviour difficulties after the Video Interaction Training
“It helped me to have a different look at my work”~ the teacher after the training "Basic Strategies for Working with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders"
“You became my mentor. I will always remember what I have learned here”~ the student who practiced in my workplace
Contact
Dobromiła Smolak
[email protected]
+48 888 686 766