Training and Campaigns
Center "Autism Today", Pleven - Specialist Training 2019
February 7, 2019, Pleven
The team of the ABA Center "Autism Today" - Pleven, just one day after completing a several-day visit and professional practical training by the supervisor of the centers "Autism Today" - Deena Singer, BCBA, participated in an online training on February 7, 2019, focusing on professional work and support for parents of children from the ABA Center "Autism Today" - Pleven, led by trainer Antonia Borisova.
More on the Topic
Calm and happy parents can work wonders, making anything possible!
Because the high professionalism and quality care and support for the development of children with autism spectrum disorder is directly proportional to the care and support for their families! "Autism Today" understands this and strives for the high quality of life for children with autism in Bulgaria and for their families!
Training for Specialists
Center "Autism Today", Sofia
February 6, 2019, and February 7, 2019.
On February 6 and 7, 2019, Deena Singer, BCBA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst LMSW, Licensed Master Social Worker conducted practical and theoretical training from dawn till dusk at the ABA Center "Autism Today" - Sofia during her visit to Bulgaria.
Observations during work with children, practical advice, reevaluations, and new assessments of children from "Autism Today" centers, assessment of progress and guidelines for program changes as a result of achieved results. Because weekly online supervisions, even twice a week and guarantee for high-quality work, give only part of the professional's view of the highest quality therapy for children with Autism on a global scale - Applied Behavior Analysis - ABA!
On February 4 and 5, 2019, Deena Singer conducted the next practical training and exam for specialists from the ABA Center "Autism Today" - Pleven, supported by her high professionalism, the reassessment of children, and gives advice and guidance during ABA therapeutic sessions!
"Autism Today" - a guarantee for high quality and professionalism in the therapy of children with Autism, because it takes care of the qualification of its specialists, the individual needs and possibilities of each child are of paramount importance, and the follow-up of an individual therapeutic plan, accompanied by high professional supervision by specialists at the highest professional and global level, is a prerequisite for social inclusion and a chance for a quality of life for children with Autism in Bulgaria!
Training for Specialists
Center "Autism Today", Pleven
February 4, 2019, and February 5, 2019.
Супервайзорката на Центровете"Аутизъм Днес" Deena Singer, BCBA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst LMSW, Licensed Master Social worker отново в България!
Supervisor of the Centers "Autism Today" Deena Singer, BCBA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst LMSW, Licensed Master Social Worker back in Bulgaria!
On February 4 and 5, 2019, she trained specialists from the ABA Center "Autism Today" - Pleven, supporting with her high professionalism the reassessment of children and providing advice and guidance during ABA therapeutic sessions!
Training for Specialists
Center "Autism Today" - Sofia
January 26, 2019, Sofia
The Autism Today team works even on weekends! For the sake of the children and their families!
Training for professional work and support for parents of children from the ABA Center "Autism Today" - Sofia, with trainer Antoniya Borisova.
Training for Specialists
Center "Autism Today" - Sofia
November 24, 2018
Therapeutic training for parents, sharing personal experiences, and mutual support!
"The feeling that we are not alone gives us strength and confidence to continue," shared the parents after the end of the training.
The meeting continued with presentations on rights and opportunities in the field of education and the social sphere in Bulgaria for our children!
Vladislava Tsoleva, Chairperson of the "Autism Today" association and the "Step for the Invisible Children of Bulgaria" foundation, presented a lecture by Kaloyan Damyanov, Chairman of NARU, on support for children and students with SEN - common and additional, according to the Law on Pre-school and School Education, effective from August 1, 2016!
"Extremely useful and valuable information for us, now I understand that I did not know what rights and opportunities exist for my child and how important it is to be informed," shared one of the parents after the meeting.
Training for Specialists
Center "Autism Today" - Sofia
October 26, 2018
Training on October 26 in Pleven with lecturer Kristiane Kull Sadacharam, postgrad.USC-USA, SI® Trainer USC.
Captured moments from the lecture training on October 26 in Pleven with lecturer Kristiane Kull Sadacharam, postgrad.USC-USA, SI® Trainer USC, who perfected sensory integration® at Ayres Clinic in California, head of the occupational therapy department at the Children's Center Munich, head of the SIAT® enhancement department.
The training was intended for the team of the Center for Children with Autism in Pleven, for specialists from the region who work daily with children with autism and other developmental problems, as well as for the parents of the children from the Center for Children with Autism in Pleven!
The training was again made possible thanks to the kind hospitality and partnership of CSOP "P. R. Slaveykov" in Pleven and its director Milen Nakov!
Training for Specialists
Center "Autism Today" - Sofia
October 25, 2018
On October 25, 2018, the long-awaited lecture training with a practical focus by Kristiane Kull Sadacharam
On October 25, 2018, the long-awaited lecture training with a practical focus by Kristiane Kull Sadacharam, postgrad.USC-USA, SI® Trainer USC, who perfected sensory integration® at Ayres Clinic in California, head of the occupational therapy department at the Children's Center Munich, head of the SIAT® enhancement department, took place.
The training was organized by the Autism Today Association and the Step for the Invisible Children of Bulgaria Foundation, in partnership with Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital.
The training attracted great interest from specialists who work daily with children with autism spectrum disorder, including educators, special educators, psychologists, and speech therapists. The training was particularly beneficial for parents, as reflected in the immediate feedback received after the lecture. Kristiane's working day continued with consultations for the parents of children from the "Autism Today" Centers and training for the specialists.
Training for Specialists
Center "Autism Today" - Pleven
October 17, 2018, Pleven
On October 17, the long-awaited lecture training on the topic: “Applied Behavior Analysis – why and how it helps children with autism spectrum disorders achieve remarkable improvement” was held at CSOP "P. R. Slaveykov", Pleven
The event was organized by the "Step for the Invisible Children of Bulgaria" Foundation and the "Autism Today" Association.
Lecturer: Deena Singer, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), LMSW, BCBA, Behavior Consultant, LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker
Deena Singer has been a Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2005 and is a supervisor of the "Autism Today" centers. She has over 20 years of experience in the implementation and supervision of early intervention programs for children with autism spectrum disorders, working in the USA and Israel. In her clinical practice, she emphasizes parent training – an essential part of successful intervention, as well as the effective application of behavioral analysis at home and in therapy centers.
The scope of the lecture included:
-Applied Behavior Analysis – basics
-Ethics – fundamental rules and significance
-Rewards – “Pairing” between therapist and child; procedures for effectively working with the child’s motivation; successful principles and techniques
-Therapeutic intervention – creating and “decorating” a favorable learning environment; “Errorless learning”; providing support until independence is achieved; common initial learning goals; building and accumulating active and passive vocabulary; “Extinction”; “Differential reinforcement”; teaching alternative behaviors
-How do we determine which behaviors to start with for training/reduction?
The lecture training was aimed at specialists from the Center for Work with Children with Autism - Pleven, specialists from CSOP "P. R. Slaveykov", specialists from RCPPO - Pleven, and parents.
Later that day, Deena Singer continued with her observations and assessments of the children from the Center for Children with Autism - Pleven.
We express our gratitude to CSOP "P. R. Slaveykov" - Pleven for the fruitful cooperation and we believe in the partnership!
Training for Specialists
Center "Autism Today" - Sofia
October 15, 2018, Sofia
Lecture training on the topic: “Applied Behavior Analysis – why and how it helps children with autism spectrum disorders achieve remarkable improvement” at ACIBADEM CITY CLINIC TOKUDA!
On October 15, the long-awaited lecture training on the topic: “Applied Behavior Analysis – why and how it helps children with autism spectrum disorders achieve remarkable improvement” was held at ACIBADEM CITY CLINIC TOKUDA!
Organizers: "Step for the Invisible Children of Bulgaria" Foundation and "Autism Today" Association
Lecturer: Deena Singer, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), LMSW, BCBA, Behavior Consultant, LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker
Deena Singer has been a Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2005 and is a supervisor of the "Autism Today" centers. She has over 20 years of experience in the implementation and supervision of early intervention programs for children with autism spectrum disorders. She works in the USA and Israel. In her clinical practice, she emphasizes parent training – an essential part of successful intervention, as well as the effective application of behavioral analysis at home and in therapy centers.
About the lecture: Suitable for parents and specialists – the topics will be adapted for both types of audiences.
The scope of the lecture included:
-Applied Behavior Analysis – basics
-Ethics – fundamental rules and significance
-Rewards – “Pairing” between therapist and child; procedures for effectively working with the child’s motivation; successful principles and techniques
-Therapeutic intervention – creating and “decorating” a favorable learning environment; “Errorless learning”; providing support until independence is achieved; common initial learning goals; building and accumulating active and passive vocabulary; “Extinction”; “Differential reinforcement”; teaching alternative behaviors
-How do we determine which behaviors to start with for training/reduction?
The lecture training included specialists from across the country - psychologists, speech therapists, special educators, teachers who work daily with children with autism spectrum disorders and behavioral problems, parents, and anyone interested in the most powerful tool for behavior modification in children with autism spectrum disorders and a chance for quality of life!
Later that day, Deena Singer continued with her observations and assessments of her little friends at the ABA Center "Autism Today"!
Parent Training
Sofia, "Vitosha" Community Center
June 30, 2018
"Therapeutic Training for Parents" on June 30, 2018.
Facilitator: Clinical psychologist and in the process of ABA certification, Antonia Borisova
Topic: "Who Am I as a Parent and What Would I Like to Change?" The session provoked the unlocking of many emotions and feelings, bringing to the surface personal resolutions deeply hidden in our busy daily lives, as well as fears and problems. It involved sharing ideas and experiences and discovering new opportunities.
Homework for Parents for the Next Meeting: What difficulties do I face in relation to my perceptions and feelings about my child?
Thank you for the shared time, expressed feelings, emotions, tears, and for discovering new opportunities on the horizon together!
Parent Training
Sofia, "Vitosha" Community Center
May 26, 2018
"Therapeutic Training for Parents" on May 26, 2018.
Leading Psychologist: Antonia Borisova
The session naturally concluded with consultations and specific cases regarding the educational environment, rights, opportunities, and reaching the potential of children with autism spectrum disorders.
We, the parents, worked on our emotional muscles:
#Do we have access to the full range of our feelings?
#Do we tolerate frustration, conflicts, tension, and other feelings?
#Do we articulate our feelings with words?
#Do we turn our emotional states into signals that activate thoughts?
#Do we accept alternatives and compromises?
#Do we have the ability to plan ahead?
#Do we have (moderate) optimism?
#Do we use our own experiences for learning and development?
#Do we accept the universality of imperfection?
#Do we realistically assess what is possible?
#Do we find joy both in the process and the result?
#How do we overcome negative emotions?
#Do we see each person as an individual?
#Can we transform relationships?
#Do we accept the reality of time?
#Do we delay immediate gratification in favor of long-term gains?
#Are we persistent? How much? To what extent? Until when?
#How flexible are we regarding means and goals?
#Do we create strategies for coping with stress or failures?
#Can we "get up" after we've "fallen"?
#Do we distinguish assertiveness from aggressiveness?
#Do we acknowledge our achievements?
#Do we acknowledge the achievements of others?
#Do we stay focused on the task we set for ourselves?
#Do we focus on our own change instead of trying to change others?
#Do we ask for help when needed?
#Do we handle our internal challenges? And the external ones?
#Can we make judgments and choices?
#Can we care for someone else? And for ourselves?
Parent Training
Sofia, "Vitosha" Community Center
April 28, 2018
Therapeutic Training for Parents on April 28, 2018.
Rules for the Group Sharing Personal Experiences for Parents, April 28, 2018, with Leading Psychologist Antonia Borisova:
1. Individual Approach
2. Non-judgmental Attitude
3. Confidentiality
4. Ventilation After the Group
And something we can't escape from in our meetings:
"I will never tire of repeating that the best advocates for our children are us, their parents. And we will remain so."
The session continued with discussions on the rights of our children, our own rights, and specific cases.
Parent Training
Sofia, "Vitosha" Community Center
February 24, 2018
Therapeutic Training for Parents on February 24, 2018.
Therapeutic Training for Parents and Round Table on the Rights of People with Autism in Bulgaria
On February 24, 2018, at 11:00 AM, at "Vitosha" Community Center, in the Center for Work with Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Study Hall, the Association "Autism Today" and the Foundation "Step for the Invisible Children of Bulgaria," along with the Association "Autism" and the Resource Center Sofia-City, held a Therapeutic Training and Round Table for Parents.
More than 20 parents and families participated in the training, including those who do not live in Sofia. Together with Antonia Borisova, a psychologist at the "Vitosha" Children's Work Center, they turned their attention to their own experiences as parents of children with SEN.
After the training, parents shared their experiences and emotions, as well as the opportunity to better understand both their difficulties and their strengths, which help them cope with the daily challenges of parenting special children.
The possibility for everyone to learn how other participants cope and what valuable insights they can use from their unique experiences as parents was considered invaluable by the participants.
Together, we tried to think about the feelings associated with parental reactions and what the child experiences when they seem most incomprehensible.
The round table began with the topic "Supported Decision-Making and Abolishing Guardianship," moderated by Ani Andonova from the Association "Autism." We realized how responsible and challenging our journey ahead is: to remove the barriers of outdated thinking and the chains of guardianship, to ensure a dignified and free life for our children - for them to choose who represents them, for them to decide, and for their decisions to be supported by a person they choose and trust.
The last part of the round table turned out to be one of the most useful - on the topic "Opportunities and Innovations in the Field of Education for Our Children."
Moderators were the President of the Association "Autism Today" and the Foundation "Step for the Invisible Children of Bulgaria," Vladislava Tsolova, who presented a presentation by Kaloyan Damyanov, Director of the Resource Center Sofia-City, titled "General and Additional Support for Personal Development."
"The best advocate for our children is ourselves, and I will never tire of repeating that we must know all the laws and rights of our children to protect them with all the strength of our personality, love, and support they can receive to reach their full potential," concluded Vladislava Tsolova.
We are happy that we spent this day with special people and managed to be mutually beneficial to each other! Until next time!
Round Table on the Rights of Autistic Individuals and Their Families
Sofia, Narodno Chitalishte "Vitosha"
September 26, 2017
What are the rights of autistic individuals and their families
Organizers: Association "Autism Today" Association "Autism"
Speakers:
Vladislava Tsolova - Chairman of the "Autism Today" Association
Kaloyan Damyanov - Director of the Resource Center Sofia-city and Chairman of NARU
Marieta Dimitrova - Center for Non-Profit Law
Main topics:
What are the rights of autistic individuals and their families according to the new Education Act, the Regulation on Inclusive Education, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Seminar on "Innovations in Assessment and Intervention for Children on the Autism Spectrum"
Sofia, National Chitalishte "Vitosha"
26th September 2017
The six emotional developmental levels presented by Dr. Stanley Greenspa
Organizers:
Association "Autism Today"
Association "Tacitus"
Foundation "Step for the Invisible Children of Bulgaria"
Speakers:
Mood Leru - OTR/L, SIPT, RCTC, DIR®, Director and Trainer at Cellfield Reading Intervention, Clinical Director, professional therapist with an affinity for studying and understanding the human brain.
Main topics:
Participants in Mood Leru's training learned:
• How to identify at least 3 tools that play a key role in the field of autism spectrum disorders.
• The six emotional developmental levels presented by Dr. Stanley Greenspan.
• How to describe different theories related to the autism spectrum.
• Basic assessment methodologies that would aid in the intervention process.
• The importance of the relationship between the specialist and the child and how to support the development of better socio-emotional skills.
• How executive functions support academic achievements.
