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 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.

February Drop-In Hours

Monday, February 3: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesday, February 4: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday, February 7: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday, February 10: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday, February 11: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday, February 13: 11a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday, February 14: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 16: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, February 19: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, February 20: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sunday, February 23: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, February 25: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday, February 27: 11a.m. – 2 p.m.
 

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Natick Mall upper level walkway

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.

Learn More about Natick Mall's Autism Welcoming Businesses

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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.

Learn More

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Three paper calendars stacked on top of one another

Upcoming Mall Events

"Meet the Expert" Q & A with an Autism Specialist

Date: February 7th, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Featuring: Nicole Druzbicki, M.Ed.

Stop by this month and meet our featured expert in the field of special education, teacher Nicole Druzbicki. Nicole will be on-site at the Autism Welcoming Center, where you can attend an hour-long Q&A. Nicole is an exceptional special education teacher with decades of experience in the field of autism. Come meet Nicole, and she will answer all questions related to special education from the teacher's perspective.  

Register Here

 

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Wink Salon Autism Welcoming signage

Autism Welcoming℠
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.