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
Tuesday, June 17: 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Monday, June 23: 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, June 26: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Monday, June 30: 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday, July 1: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Mall Mondays Summer Drop-in
(See more information below)
Monday, July 7: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, July 14: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, July 21: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, July 28: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, August 4: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, August 11: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, August 18:10 a.m.-5 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
Summer Mall Mondays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
July 7th-August 18th
Are you looking to help your child develop social skills within the community this summer? Join us for our NEW Mall Mondays Summer Program, a drop-in, parent-supervised program for autistic children and teens. Participants can explore the Autism Welcoming Businesses at Natick Mall and visit the Autism Welcoming Center. At the Autism Welcoming Center, kids can engage in various activities at their own pace, including Lego building, Magna-Tiles, kinetic sand and clay, arts and crafts, games, and more. Families are encouraged to bring therapists to support social skills or community-based goals. During your visit, don't miss our new SenCastle, which is sure to have your child excited to return each week. We will also provide snacks and drinks throughout the day. There’s no need to register—just stop by any time between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and let the fun begin! Please visit the Autism Alliance events page before you stop by to be kept up to date on time adjustments and/or cancellations if needed due to inclement weather.
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.
