OMAHA, Neb. -
A local hospital is taking steps to bring autism treatment to the next level.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute has developed a treatment which could provide services anywhere in the world. It's called "telemedicine."
The program is funded by a more than $1 million grant from the Department of Defense. It has helped military families like the Parks, who move often.
"We currently have orders to leave Omaha to go to Tokyo, Japan," Stephanie Parks said. Her husband is in the Air Force and currently stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. Parks' son, 7-year-old Dell Parks, has autism.
Thanks to telemedicine, the Parks don't have to worry about finding a new set of doctors for Dell, because his treatment will move with him.
"We'll still have Dr. Fisher, we won't have to wait in lines, nothing will start over," Parks said.
Fisher said the technology is similar to Skype, where doctors can monitor live sessions and interact with the patient. Maintaining continuity of care is especially important for children with autism.
The treatment initially began exclusively for military families, but now any family that needs it can potentially participate.
Those interested in the program should contact Dr. Kevin Luczynski at 402-559-4056.
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Treatment can move with autism patients