Florida Institute of Technology Signs Agreement with Nemours Childrens Hospital for Autism-related Programs

MELBOURNE, FLA.—Florida Institute of Technology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Fla., to formalize their collaboration on several current and future projects that involve the treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

“So many of our programs mesh with the fine work of Nemours Children’s Hospital. We foresee that this agreement will only strengthen an already-successful partnership,” said Florida Tech President and CEO Anthony J. Catanese.

The university and hospital will develop and deliver training to educate the community about autism, targeted to specific audiences. These include parents, caretakers, teachers, educators, higher education faculty and students.

Research opportunities will also be pursued under this agreement, which include neonatal care, early-diagnosed autism, childhood obesity, feeding and parent training.
Florida Tech has had a major focus on autism treatment and research since 2009 when The Scott Center for Autism Treatment, a not-for-profit health care clinic formed. Since then, the Scott Center has helped hundreds in Central Florida learn to overcome many of the behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The center serves the counties of Brevard, Orange, Indian River, Volusia and Broward. For more information, visit: http://www.thescottcenter.org/

“Florida Institute of Technology already has a presence in Orlando through the Orlando Center. We are working to enhance our commitment and contribution to Orlando and the region through partnerships such as this with Nemours. We are conducting extensive research in autism diagnosis and treatment at the Florida Institute of Technology and families all over Central Florida can benefit from treatment at the Scott Center,” said Leslie Hielema, vice president of the Orlando Center.