Frequently Asked Questions
What's the schedule?
7:00am — Registration begins & gates open
8:45am — Opening Ceremony
9:00am — United walk begins
12:00pm — Event concludes*
*If you received a customized yard sign and would like to take it home, please pick it up prior to the event ending at 12pm.
What comes included with my ticket?
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Parking and admission to the Detroit Zoo for the entire day (while our event ends at 12pm, you are welcome to stay in the Zoo all day!)
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Complimentary Autism Hero Walk drawstring backpack (given to you onsite, at the event)
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United walk with the Detroit Autism Community
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Autism Resource Fair with over 50+ vendors
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Meet & greet with your favorite characters
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Arts & crafts
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Entertainment & games
How do I get my ticket(s)?
After you register online, you will automatically receive an email that outlines your transaction. Your ticket will be at the top of this email, so please keep the email as you will need to show it at check-in at the event to be allowed admittance into the Zoo. This email and ticket will cover all parties included within that transaction. Please see the example email below.
Can someone buy tickets the day of?
Yes! You can purchase tickets the day of the Walk by visiting our Registration table onsite and signing up with one of our staff members or volunteers.
The $10 registration fee is a fully tax deductible donation to Autism Alliance of Michigan. All registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Guests are welcome to begin arriving at 7am and may arrive any time between 7am – 8:45am. However, if you want to join the 1 mile walk, make sure to arrive by 8:45am.The Opening Ceremony will begin at 8:45am, and the walk kicks off at 9am.
Yes! Your sign will be placed somewhere along the walk route, and you can remove it and take it home with you at any time during or after the event.
Your donation helps to fund each of AAoM's foundational pillars. Our Navigation Pillar is a life-long guide with professional help and answers for anyone touched by autism. Our Education Pillar helps create a community with awareness and high expectations in schools and at large to prepare for a safe, successful, and inclusive life. Our Employment Pillar maximizes employment opportunities for individuals of all abilites across industries, through innovation and partnerships.
Where is the nearest bathroom?
Bathrooms are available and located throughout the zoo.
Will you have a sensory safe area for me/my child to utilize during the event?
Yes! We have an enclosed tent in the event area that offers a quiet, sensory safe room for anyone that need a moment of relaxation.
Do we have to wear masks?
At this time, masks are optional. Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) reserves the right to update this policy and instate vaccination, masking, and social distancing requirements if an unexpected surge in COVID-19 occurs leading up to the event.
What is your COVID-19 Vaccination Policy?
Although guests are not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend this event, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) reserves the right to update this policy and instate vaccination, masking, and social distancing requirements if an unexpected surge in COVID-19 occurs leading up to the event.
The health and wellness of Michigan’s autism community continues to be our top priority. AAoM supports current United States Center for Disease Control and American Academy of Pediatrics vaccination guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination and recommends children and adults are vaccinated accordingly. To learn more about COVID-19 and its impact on people with autism, please visit our website.
Where should I park, and will I need to pay for parking?
The Autism Hero Walk: Detroit takes place at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. The zoo offers free, ample parking nearby and in surrounding garages.
Where can I connect with other teams and Walkers?
Join our 2024 Autism Hero Walk Help Center Facebook page here.
I have a more specific question not listed here, who can I contact?
If you have any additional questions that are not answered here, please reach out to Event Coordinators Erica Rakowicz at erica.rakowicz@aaomi.org and Lauren Parrott at lauren.parrott@aaomi.org.
