In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison has a conversation with Dr. Ricki Robinson, a pediatrician with over 51 years of experience. Dr. Robinson shares her inspiring journey in developmental medicine, emphasizing the crucial role of hope in autism treatment. She reflects on discovering the DIR model through Drs. Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder in the 1990s, a time when autism was considered untreatable. Drawing from her background in medicine—where she witnessed groundbreaking advancements like the dramatic improvement in leukemia survival rates—Dr. Robinson discusses her comprehensive approach to autism diagnosis and care. She highlights the importance of building trust with families while fostering hope. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the power of persistence, innovation, and compassion in developmental medicine.