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What will Walk look like this year?

Our priority is to bring our community back together while continuing to keep everyone safe. Our events will put our community's energy on full display as we return to celebrating together. Each Walk will look a little different, with many ways to participate. You’ll have the chance to meet community service providers, hear stories from our community and sponsors, and celebrate! It will be a day full of positive energy, excitement and connection. You won't want to miss it!

How can I stay up to date on plans for my Walk?

Visit your Walk website for local information. Local plans, event maps and Walk day information will be posted in the “Updates and Tips” section as we get closer to Walk day.

Why should I participate in Walk this year?

The Autism Speaks Walk is not only where we celebrate our community and promote acceptance and understanding, it is also the largest autism fundraiser in the country and helps to fuel all of Autism Speaks programs and services. When you walk and fundraise, you drive our mission forward and we can't do it without you. (Plus, we don't want you to miss all the fun!)

How much is registration?

Because the Autism Speaks Walk is a fundraising event, we do not charge a mandatory registration fee. Rather, we encourage you to set a fundraising goal and utilize the tools provided to share your story and ask your family and friends for their support. The money you raise helps fuel the Autism Speaks mission to enhance the lives of people with autism through innovative research and service and support programs. We hope that everyone will raise a minimum of $150 to receive our one-of-a kind commemorative Walk T-shirt.

Do I need to register my child/children for the walk?

Children who are under 18 and wish to fundraise for the walk should register online. Children under 18 who will just be participating on walk day do not need to register online but we will need their guardian to fill out a waiver form at the registration tent on walk day.

What is a Walk Team?

Teams are made up of family, friends and coworkers all fundraising and walking together under one team name.

How can my company participate?

Companies can participate by organizing teams of employees to raise funds and walk and/or be a corporate sponsor. National or large regional companies interested in participating in more than 10 locations are eligible to participate in our National Team Program. For more information, please contact walk@autismspeaks.org.

Where do the funds from the Walk go?

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Autism Speaks 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.

How do I donate?

There are several easy ways to donate:

• Donate online to a specific team, individual participant or walk via their fundraising page
• Donate on walk day: Cash, check and credit card donations are accepted
• Donate via mail
  • Make checks payable to Autism Speaks and mail to:
    Autism Speaks Walk
    P.O. Box 199
    Rocky Hill, NJ 08553-0199
• If you wish to credit a particular team or individual please be sure to include an offline donation form found on that individuals fundraising page or a note that states:
  • Walk Name, Individual or Team to Credit

Donations can also be turned in the day of the walk. Please make sure an offline donation form, found on the walker homepage, accompanies each donation to ensure proper credit. We strongly encourage all participants to mail their donations to the Rocky Hill, NJ address above prior to walk day.

During the heaviest fundraising weeks of the walk (September - October), please allow up to 2 weeks for mailed donations to be fully processed.

What if my donors need a receipt?

When a donor gives online, they will receive an automatic thank you letter that can be used as a receipt. All other acknowledgment letters will be mailed after the event. If you donated to a Walk event and you didn’t receive a thank you letter, please contact us at walk@autismspeaks.org.

I mailed a donation to the Walk but it’s not listed on my honor scroll.

Please allow 10-15 business days for processing. If the donation does not appear after 15 business days, please contact us at walk@autismspeaks.org.

What happens to the donations if I can no longer participate in the event?

We’re so grateful for your fundraising efforts and sorry we will miss you at the Walk. Please be assured all donations go towards fueling the mission of Autism Speaks. If you were planning to turn in donations on Walk Day and are unable to attend, please make sure to mail them in with an offline donation form. You can find the form on the walker homepage and this will ensure we properly associate your donations with your team. If you are unable to make the event itself we encourage you to become a Walk Your Way participant and walk with us virtually.

Are donations tax deductible?

All donations are tax deductible in the same calendar year your donation was processed to the extent allowed by law. Please work with your tax professional to determine what deductions you are eligible for.

Autism Speaks provides team captains and participants online tools to help support your fundraising efforts. These tools can be found on our Team Captain Tools and Fundraising Tools pages.

I forgot my Username and Password.

Click LOGIN at the top of this page. You can then click on "Need help logging in?" to request a password reset.

How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?

You can opt out by following the link at the bottom of walk e-mails that you receive.

What is a personal page?

A personal fundraising page is a web page provided by Autism Speaks to every registered online participant to help promote fundraising for the walk. Your personal page is automatically created for you when you register online and is where you can direct friends and family who want to donate to the Walk on your behalf. They can donate online or print an offline donation form to mail in with their check. We encourage you to personalize your page with a photo and to share your inspiration for walking with Autism Speaks.

Are strollers, wheelchairs, bicycles and inline skaters allowed to participate?

Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. All walk routes are accessible. However, for everyone’s safety, bicycles, inline skates, wheelie footwear, skateboards and scooters are not allowed.

Is there anything I can use to prepare my loved one with autism for the walk?

Every walk has a customized Guide To Walk Day. This customized guide helps prepare children and adults living with autism for their walk day experience. Visit the homepage of any walk site to download the Guide To Walk Day.

Can I bring my dog?

Only service dogs are allowed at walk events. Please leave your pets at home unless you have a service dog.

Is the Walk a competitive event?

Our walks are non-competitive events that are family friendly. Walk routes on average are 2-3 miles long, all participants are encouraged to walk but it's not mandatory.

What happens if it rains?

Autism Speaks Walks are rain or shine unless a natural weather emergency occurs.

Questions? Contact us: Email us at walk@autismspeaks.org