Autism Awareness Day
April is Autism Awareness Month, and the Houston Zoo is committed to being place where everyone can connect with wildlife and one another. To create an inclusive and welcoming experience for all, the Zoo is celebrating the neurodiverse community with its first Autism Awareness Day on Sunday, April 13. This special event is designed to foster understanding, create a connection to animals, and provide unique, accessible activities for families and guests of all abilities.
Building a bond with animals can have many benefits. The presence of animals in calm settings like zoos, provide a grounding experience as sights, sounds, and even smell of animals offer a sensory outlet that may be both calming and stimulating. Animals, like Asian elephants, often rely on non-verbal communication. Watching how these social animals with complex behaviors communicate through body language and engage with their surroundings can teach guests on the spectrum how to express themselves and form connections with others.
Event Highlights
During Autism Awareness Day, guests can expect an enjoyable and enriching experience while cultivating a deeper appreciation for wildlife.
Tickets for the 8:00 a.m. timeslot will be available on Wednesday, March 26.
This event is included with general admission and free for members.
- Gates open an hour early at 8:00 a.m. for exclusive access to the Zoo
- A Wildlife Workshop offers engaging opportunities to learn about wildlife
- Meet and greet with beloved ambassador animal(s)
- Special activity centers hosted by Zoo Crew Teens offer hands-on, inclusive activities designed with neurodiversity in mind
- Themed keeper chats will allow guests to connect with animals
- Several quiet zones and sensory spaces provide areas to decompress
Certified Autism Center
The Houston Zoo is a designated Certified Autism Center™ through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This is a certification that recognizes the Zoo’s commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for guests of all abilities. As a Certified Autism Center, Zoo staff have undergone specialized training to better understand and accommodate the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.
