When faced with doubt, no matter if we’re actually certain of the fact, it’s all too easy for us to say “it’s all going to be okay” - especially if you’re a developmental pediatrician presenting a family with a life-changing diagnosis. Still, with 30 years of caring for children with autism and their families under her belt, Patty Manning-Courtney can confidently say that it in fact will be okay. She’s learned what it takes to stand yourself back up again; start with believing in a positive outcome and you may learn the same.

Patty graduated from Austin College in 1987, more than well-prepared for medical school at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where she graduated first in her class. She went on to complete a residency in Pediatrics and a fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, then started a diagnostic and treatment program for children with autism spectrum disorder. In February of 2020, Patty was named Chief of Staff at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and promptly inherited oversight of institutional COVID-19 response. She has been fortunate to work with thousands of families of children with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx