Autism Welcoming Center
Autism Welcoming's Natick Mall location serves as the hub for our business training program, as well as a space for activities, guest speakers, and support for people with autism and their families. You’ll find the 2,700-square-foot center on the upper level of the Macy's end of the mall, next to the Parking Lot A entrance near Learning Express. The multi-use space, which includes a sensory-friendly area for people of all ages, is operated by Advocates’ Autism Alliance.
Autism Welcoming staff are present at the center during additional hours; however, these hours are not guaranteed drop-in due to activity programs and the occupancy of the space. We have scheduled drop-in hours below to ensure our guests' staff availability. These hours are kept up to date so please be sure to check them before your visit.
Drop-In Hours:
Monday, June 8: 1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 10: 2:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 11: 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. (Portuguese Speaking Specialist onsite today)
Sunday June 14: 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17: 2:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. Midweek Movie & Craft Drop-in: Madagascar
Thursday, June 18: 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. (Portuguese Speaking Specialist onsite today
Friday, June 19: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Monday, June 22: 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24: 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 25: 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. (Portuguese Speaking Specialist onsite today)
Friday, June 26: 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 27: 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Monday, June 29: 1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 1: 2:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Friday, July 3: 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Additional Mall Offerings
Natick Mall itself has also been certified as an Autism Welcoming business and offers sensory-friendly hours and events, sensory kits for guests, security professionals trained in Autism Welcoming practices, and more. A sensory-break quiet location is located at Autism Welcoming, and a family restroom is available on the lower level across from Nordstrom. Sensory kits can be signed out at locations including Autism Welcoming, the Mall Management office, and Natick Play.
View Our Social Story about Going to Natick Mall
Certified businesses at Natick Mall include Build-A-Bear Workshop, California Pizza Kitchen, Dave & Buster's, Learning Express, Natick Play by Jam Time, and Warby Parker.
Upcoming Mall Events
Meet the Expert: Special Education Teacher Nicole Druzbicki
Date: December 6, 2024
Time: 4:00-5:00p.m.
Nicole is an exceptional Special Education Teacher with decades of experience in the field of autism. Come and meet Nicole and she will answer all questions related to special education from the teacher's perspective. Nicole will be onsite at the Autism Welcoming Center, where you can attend an hour-long Q & A.
Upcoming Mall Events
Midweek Movie & Craft Drop-in: Madagascar
Wednesday, June 17th | 2:00-6:30 p.m.
Movie Starts at 4:30 p.m.
Join us as we watch the movie Madagascar on the big screen TV! Participants are welcome to drop in and create their favorite animal masks along with jungle- and zoo-themed crafts. Art supplies, snacks, and crafts will be provided. No registration required. Learn More
Autism Welcoming℠
Certified Business Directory
Certified Business Directory
Looking for an Autism Welcoming business at Natick Mall? All certified businesses, including those located at Natick Mall, are included in our online directory, which allows you to search by location, business type, and more. Join the thousands of individuals and families who access the directory to find businesses that match their needs.
