- May 1, 2025
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MANATEE COUNTY — After having one child with Down syndrome, Mary Smith and her husband, Brian, watched their second child, Paul, closely after he was born just 21 months later.
“Everything was going well for my son,” Mary Smith said. “He was 8 pounds, 8 ounces when he was born and did typical (things for children his age). But at 18 months, he just dropped off.”
Following her mother’s intuition, Mary took Paul in for evaluation. Doctors diagnosed the 2-and-one-half-year-old with autism and then told the Smiths to prepare both emotionally and financially to institutionalize their child when he reached adulthood. He would be too difficult to handle, they said.
“We were devastated but angered as well,” Smith said. “It made us hunt for alternatives, cutting-edge options — things today that are considered best practice.”
In their search for providing a better future for their child, the Smiths found Dr. Kristina Ordetx, who later founded Pinnacle Academy, a school for children with autism and related disabilities, in Lakewood Ranch.
The school, and its sister nonprofit Center for Autism Resources and Education, has been working to raise awareness about autism and related disorders since its inception while also providing support for families dealing with the condition.
In recognition of April as National Autism Awareness Month, the Pinnacle Academy Parent-Teacher Organization of Lakewood Ranch and MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome will host an art and wine auction called Art Across the Spectrum from 5-9 p.m., April 10, at Mattison’s Riverside Restaurant, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton. A $75 donation includes food and drink, wine and art auction privileges.
Themed “Spend an Evening in the Hands of Autism,” the event will feature the artwork of individuals with autism or Asperger’s syndrome as well as the guest work of local artists William Kelley and Jack Dowd.
“It’s a good cause,” Kelley said. “I know how much work it is with children with autism.”
Additionally, individuals who purchase glasses of champagne will earn a chance to win a diamond valued at $2,500.
Ordetx said the minds of individuals with autism function differently than other people and often have stronger abilities in the areas of memorization, literal thinking and line drawing.
“The great thing about this event is it’s not often a group of people in a category are spotlighted for their unique talents and abilities,” she said. “People always talk about disabilities instead of abilities. That’s a great reason to celebrate (their talent).”
MAAP will use funds raised for parent scholarships, while Pinnacle’s PTO will use funds to provide for students items not covered under their tuition, including new therapy programs, campus and curriculum enhancements and support programs.
Smith, who attributes the development and success of her first two children to their education at Pinnacle, said events such as this one are important because they provide support for families of children with disabilities while raising awareness about autism.
“The more public awareness (there is) about what kids are differently-abled, (the better),” Smith said. “The community doesn’t realize what beauty our kids have and what (talent) our kids have.
“With April being Autism Awareness Month, it’s good (to have this event),” Smith said. “That’s the only way people are going to become comfortable with (autism) — if people talk about it.”
Ordetx said parents who suspect their child may have developmental issues should have their child evaluated as soon as possible because early intervention remains a key component.
For information about Pinnacle Academy, visit www.thepinnacleacademy.com. For information about autism, visit www.careautism.net.
Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com
Art Across the Spectrum
WHEN: 5-9 p.m., April 10
WHERE: Mattison’s Riverside, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton
COST: $75
DETAILS: Event features artwork of adults with autism, as well as pieces by internationally known Sarasota artists William Kelley and Jack Dowd. Cost includes food and wine and auction rights. Autistic author and artist Haley Moss will be autographing her art and books.
BENEFITS: MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome and the Pinnacle Academy Parent-Teacher Organization
INFO/RESERVATIONS: Susan Morena or Sara Metts at (219) 662-1311 or Carmen Penker at 400-6168 or clpenker@gmail.com
Autism Awareness 5K Run and 1 mile Family/Friends Fun Walk
WHEN: April 16. Registration starts at 7 a.m., 5K at 8 a.m., and walk at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
HOST: Center for Autism Resources & Education
REGISTRATION: www.careautism.net