Alexian Brothers Announces Golf Outing

Proceeds to benefit Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorder Resource Center (ASDDRC)

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., DATELINE / -- The Alexian Brothers Foundation today announced their 3rd Annual Alexian Brothers Classic Golf Outing will be held Monday, August 30, 2010 at the Shoreacres Country Club in Lake Bluff, IL. Proceeds from the Alexian Brothers Classic Golf Outing will benefit Alexian’s Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorder Resource Center (ASDDRC).  

“To have our most successful golf outing yet, at a time when many outside funding sources are starting to dry up is not only a great achievement, but something that’s incredibly helpful to our clients and their families at the Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorder Resource Center. With the continued generosity of sponsors such as the United Marketing Group, we are able to do more for so many people,” said Mark Frey, CEO of Alexian Brothers Hospital Network.

Alexian Brothers Hospital Network offers a uniquely powerful combination of medical, clinical and research specialties focused on developmental disorders.  With renowned competencies in developmental pediatrics, child psychiatry, pediatric neuro-psychology, and brain research, Alexian Brothers provides children and their families the most advanced and comprehensive care possible. This year, the Hospital Network moved to provide integrated care not only for the physical, psychological and emotional issues of the children, but to provide critical support to the families themselves by launching the Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorder Resource Center (ASDDRC).

The challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their associated costs are increasing in our communities.  Children with ASD now count for 1 in 110 births in the U.S. and ASD is the fastest growing developmental challenge, increasing at an annual rate of 10% - 17%. In addition to the emotional burden of ASD for children and their families, the financial cost of caring for someone with ASD is staggering – estimated as $3.2 million over a lifetime. The good news is that the cost (and the suffering) can be decreased by two-thirds with early diagnosis and intervention.

The main goals of the ASDDRC are two-fold: 1) helping parents get an accurate diagnosis for their child, and 2) providing professional comprehensive support and guidance from the time the child is diagnosed until the family is fully connected with available support, education and treatment services.  The ASDDRC is ready to connect families to the best service providers no matter where they are in their journey with developmental disorders – from initial diagnosis to transition periods such as when a child is becoming an adult, and is no longer eligible for children-focused resources.  

According to Alan Portelli, United Marketing Group’s CEO and President, “we’re honored that we can support Alexian Brothers as they care for the whole person - one of the Brothers’ foundational values.  We are privileged to help Alexian support the families of children with developmental disorders during their times of greatest stress and uncertainty and connect them to new and valuable resources to help their children fulfill their greatest potential possible.”

Beyond helping parents connect with the necessary medical services, ASDDRC connects parents to valuable community resources that provide emotional, education, social and financial support.  These include therapies such as speech and sensory integration, autism support groups, non-profits such as the Easter Seals, or government programs like the State Early Intervention program, which parents may not know about, or may not know how to access.  In addition, research and new therapies are continuously reported, but it may be overwhelming for parents to stay current on these advances on their own. The Resource Center offers easy ways for overwhelmed parents to learn about and keep up to date on ASD and developmental disorders and their treatments through an extensive library and educational programs.