ORLANDO, Fla. — A 12-year-old autistic boy has a new outlook on life thanks to some students at the University of Central Florida, who made him a new prosthetic arm using 3D-printing technology.
Wyatt Falardeau, who is autistic and whose right arm was amputated shortly after birth, is the latest recipient of an arm created by Limbitless Solutions, a nonprofit founded by UCF students, which uses 3D-printing technology to create limbs and change lives.
Wyatt's mother told Channel 9 that he was quite a ladies' man, and when he sat down with Nancy Alvarez for an interview, he didn't disappoint.
Photos: Boy fitted for new 3D arm
"Are you going to let go of her?" his mother asked after he shook Alvarez's hand.
"No, we can hold hands. I'll hold your hand all day," Wyatt told her.
Wyatt and Alvarez held hands as he talked about all the things he wants to do now that he has a new look.
"Kiss a girl," Wyatt said, smiling.
He said that someday he's going to get married and be a part of the Blue Man Group's Orlando show.
Limbitless Solutions announced a major step Monday toward the future: the creation of the Center for Applied Biomedical Additive Manufacturing, a centralized place on UCF's campus where it can work and grow.
"Not only can we collaborate better because we're not spread out in different places, we're going to have all our equipment there as well," said John Sparkman, cofounder of Limbitless.
Wyatt is one of a handful of children who have already received a 3D-printed limb, but the company has heard from up to 20 people a week who need their services.
Wyatt shook hands Monday with Alex Pring, the first recipient of a Limbitless Solutions arm.
Members of the Blue Man Group were also onhand, because Wyatt is a big fan and his arm was designed after them.
The smile on Wyatt's face marked the start of a new life.
"I hope he can achieve everything he wants to achieve now. He has no restrictions on him now," said Wyatt's father, Jim Falardeau.