Mall of America® is a highly stimulating environment: bright lights, the consistent drone of voices as thousands of guests meander the halls, music escaping individual stores, the occasional scream of delight coming from Nickelodeon Universe, and a variety of aromas lingering in the air. It can be a lot to take in, especially for guests on the autism spectrum. Our longtime partnership with Fraser helps us meet the unique needs of such guests.
Fraser is Minnesota’s largest and most experienced provider of autism and early childhood mental health services. Serving infants through adults, Fraser provides individualized services and programs to assist families with healthcare, housing, education, and employment.
Fraser has worked with Mall of America to develop sensory zones for kids, resource areas for families, and trainings for Mall staff, including training on interacting with adults on the autism spectrum. Mall of America is Autism Certified, and our team is ready to support families and guests who might need a quiet space, a private changing room, or other assistance.
Beyond the daily experience Fraser has helped the Mall facilitate for guests with autism spectrum disorders, we have partnered on a number of fundraising walks and festivals to celebrate the unique worldview of those with autism while raising money and awareness to support autism programs and services.
We may gather under one roof, but there are many ways we can experience what the Mall has to offer. Fraser helps us ensure that experience is a positive and inclusive one.