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Melissa Arseneau specializes in cognitive-behavioural therapy, parenting consultation and
psycho-educational/diagnostic assessments of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum.

Melissa Arseneau, Psychologist (private practice) (Disponible en Français)

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Autism Community Training provides evidence-based information and training relevant to the
autism community internationally. Based in British Columbia, Autism Community Training
provides a wide range of positive and practical information on everything from sleep problems
and diet, to core issues such as diagnosis and aspects of intervention, including information on
setting up intervention programs. These resources are free and are available online without a
password requirement. There is a comprehensive Autism Information Database(https://
www.actcommunity.ca/aid-search).

Autism Community Training

Temple Grandin, diagnosed with autism as a child, talks about how her mind works – sharing her
ability to “think in pictures”, which helps her solve problems that neurotypical brains might miss.
She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum: visual thinkers, pattern
thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart geeky kids.

The world needs all kinds of minds

This is a social story approach to explain to children with autism why they have to stay home
during COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus: Why Do I Have to Stay Home?

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides disability benefits to people who have made enough
contributions to the CPP and who are disabled and cannot work at any job on a regular basis. To
qualify for a disability benefit under the Canada Pension Plan you must first qualify for the federal
Disability Tax Credit (described above). The CPP Disability Benefit may provide:
• A taxable monthly payment that is available to people who have contributed to the CPP and
who are not able to work regularly because of a disability. In addition, you may qualify for a
Children’s Benefit (described below).
• If you are eligible under the terms of CPP legislation, your disability benefits will start the fourth
month after the month you are determined to be disabled. You may receive up to maximum of
12 months of retroactive payments from the date your application was received.
 Children’s benefit. This is a monthly benefit for dependent children (under age 18 or between 18
and 25 and attending school or university full-time) of someone receiving a CPP disability benefit.
The monthly children’s benefit is a flat rate that is adjusted annually. In 2019, the rate is $250.27.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefit (Disponible en Français) 

Financial assistance is given to people who have no other income to meet their basic needs of
food, clothing and shelter. By law, social assistance is the payer of last resort. This means that all
other income must be considered when determining how many dollars will be provided.

Social Development Social Assistance Program (Disponible en Français) 

This podcast is for parents of autistic children discussing common issues, coping strategies, and
giving advice and support.