Why do we start registration so early?
While the actual Walk takes place in April, families affected by autism walk with and for autism 356 days a year. We want to use the extended period between the opening of registration and the actual walks to increase awareness, share and tell your stories, enjoy fun contests, and maximize your potential to raise money for your team.
Can I participate on walk day if I did not register online?
No, everyone age 2 and over must be registered in order to have access to the event space and walk on the track.
What if I miss the walk time I am registered for?
If you miss your time slot we encourage you to participate virtually and send us your walk video.
Why does the event information say the event is from 9 am - 2 pm?
Participants can arrive at 9 am to check in. Walk times will still be at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. The entire event will conclude at the end of the 1:00 pm walk.
What about turning in walk donation envelopes & walk shirts?
Walk shirts will be available for each person registered for the Walk For Autism by March 1, 2026. Fundraising envelopes can be dropped off & t-shirts will be handed out during check-in.
Virtual Walkers
We will announce a few evenings to drop off envelopes and pick up t-shirts at our offices.
What is the Points Pile Up?
We know how important it is to recognize the hard work and efforts our fundraisers put into this event. You can earn points based on recruiting teammates, receiving fundraising donations, making a donation yourself, and hosting your own outside fundraiser for the event!
Points accumulate on the Leader Board under four main categories: Fundraising, Recruiting and Activities. You can check you progress anytime by visiting the Leaderboard.
The Walk participant with the most points accumulated in the Overall Leaders section in the months of January, February, and March will be highlighted at the walk. (Different winner every month.) We will create your very own large walk route sign that will be displayed along the walk route for all to see!
What if it is raining on walk day?
The Walk for Autism will take place rain or shine. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you leave the house.
Will food and drinks be made available during the walk?
Bottled water will be available on the walk route. Food trucks will be at the event selling various breakfast and lunch options.
What is the Sensory Activation Vehicle in the Quiet Area?
The Delaware State Fair and KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities, are bringing a new sensory activation vehicle (S.A.V.) experience to Walk for Autism – and it could be a game changer for walkers with sensory processing disorders.
Created by KultureCity and designed by medical professionals, this unique mobile experience allows the Delaware State Fair / Autism Delaware to have a dedicated room and play space for individuals with sensory processing sensitivities who may need a quieter and more secure environment while participating in the Walk for Autism or visiting the Delaware State Fair July 23 - August 1, 2026.
Do I need to use my fundraising page?
We encourage every participant to share their story about why this event is important to them and encourage their friends and families to participate and donate.
Will a fundraising envelope to collect donations automatically be mailed to me when I register?
No. We are encouraging every fundraiser to utilize their fundraising page to solicit and collect donations. During the registration process you can opt in to have a donation envelope mailed to you if you would like to have one.
Can I create my own fundraising event?
Yes, we encourage teams to get creative with fundraising. You have the option to create your own event from your fundraising page. Please contact our Events Coordinator, Sara Coltman, as scoltman@autismdelaware.org for more information on how to properly host an outside fundraiser prior to scheduling your own event.
Should I encourage my friends to join my team or donate to my team?
Both! Once you set up your fundraising page we encourage you to send it out to all of your friends, family and network asking them to first join your team. Most often, if someone joins your team they will also make a donation. If they join your team they become another recruiter and/or fundraiser. If people do not want to join then ask them to make a donation in support of this mission and this event.
Where does all of the money go?
Funds raised go directly to Autism Delaware's statewide programs and services. These programs and services help families within the state of Delaware. These are your family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors.
Who should a donation check be made payable to?
Checks and money orders can be made payable to Autism Delaware.
Can I fill out online forms for corporate companies asking for a donation for my walk team?
Autism Delaware has many corporate sponsors. We ask that you do not fill out any online forms representing Autism Delaware on your team’s behalf. If you have a connection to a potential sponsor please share the connection with us so we can support the request. We will credit your team any dollars connected to secured sponsorships.