By Emily Payne
SCBIZ Daily Staff

GREENVILLE -- A $2 million gift from a local company will fund a much-needed program in the Upstate.

North American Rescue CEO Bob Castellani and his wife, Dr. Lisa Castellani, donated the money to Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center Children’s Hospital for the funding of an autism program. The Castellanis’ son, Cole, is autistic.

The program, which will include at least seven new clinicians, focuses on early diagnosis and helps link families with the support needed to raise an autistic child.

“It will go to a great need in our community,” said Dr. William Schmidt, GHS Children’s Hospital medical director. “They have a hard time getting services.”

More than 3,500 children with developmental/behavioral issues are treated each year at GHS Children’s Hospital. Diagnosis and treatment before age 3 is crucial in the development of an autistic child.

Because of the current demand for consultations and services, appointments can take as long as 3-6 months to schedule. Under the new program, children will be seen in as little as three weeks.

Dr. Desmond Kelly, medical director for the Gardner Center for Developing Minds at the children’s hospital, said the new program fits with Greenville Hospital System’s entire message.

“This enables (the children’s hospital) to provide better specialty pediatric services,” Kelly said. “It goes with the hospital’s strategic plan of total health for the whole family.”