SM Celebrates National Autism Consciousness Week with great strides in true inclusion

SM Supermalls is ushering in a bold new chapter as a truly Mall for All, highlighted by historic milestones unveiled during this year’s National Autism Consciousness Week (NACW). Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, the company reaffirmed its commitment to accessibility, empathy, and inclusive design with nationwide programs created to enhance the mall-going experience of Filipinos on the autism spectrum.

Throughout the week-long celebration, SM Supermalls rolled out innovations emphasizing acceptance, appreciation, and a deeper understanding of neurodiversity in everyday public spaces. These efforts spotlight SM’s mission to build welcoming places where every customer feels valued, comfortable, and safe.

“This year’s celebration of NACW marks a significant step forward for SM Supermalls as we hosted ‘Lights Up, Sounds Down’ (LUSD) and opened the first-ever ‘SM Sensory Lab’—the country’s only dedicated mall space for people with sensory processing challenges,” said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President. “Beyond our year-round inclusivity programs, these milestones strengthen our commitment to ensuring every customer finds their most loved space at SM.”

SM Sensory Lab: A Groundbreaking Innovation in Inclusive Mall Spaces

The highlight of NACW 2026 was the launch of the SM Sensory Lab, a pioneering space developed to support children and adults who experience sensory processing challenges. Created in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and with guidance from the Autism Society Philippines, the Sensory Lab officially opened at SM Mall of Asia, becoming the country’s first mall-based calming corner.

Tan explained, “Opening the SM Sensory Lab was the natural next step in our journey toward becoming truly inclusive. We worked closely with our partners to ensure that every detail was thoughtfully considered, especially since this type of facility has never been done before in the Philippines.”

Designed with soft lighting, gentle textures, comfortable seating, and sensory-friendly elements, the SM Sensory Lab offers a quiet and relaxing environment that makes public spaces more manageable for individuals who may be overstimulated by typical mall settings. The room can accommodate up to ten people, ensuring that users and their guardians have ample space to decompress.

Accessibility is further enhanced through the SM Malls Online App, where customers can simply scan a QR code to access the Sensory Lab completely free of charge—a seamless digital solution that supports inclusive physical spaces.

Lights Up, Sounds Down: Making Movie Moments More Accessible

Another standout initiative during NACW was Lights Up, Sounds Down, a series of sensory-friendly movie screenings created to reduce common stressors in traditional cinema environments. Partnering with SM Cinema, the screenings featured adjusted brightness, reduced sound levels, and a judgment-free atmosphere tailored for children and adults on the autism spectrum.

“Something as ordinary as watching a movie can be overwhelming for individuals on the spectrum—and even challenging for their families,” said Tan. “Through LUSD, SM Cinema offers a safe and comfortable space where families can finally enjoy movies together without worry.”

What began as a single-mall initiative has now grown into a nationwide effort. More than 5,000 participants across multiple SM malls have joined the screenings, with SM City BF Parañaque and SM City Butuan newly added to the growing list of participating locations.

Driving Inclusion Beyond NACW

SM Cares continues to strengthen disability inclusion nationwide through information campaigns, employee training programs, and partnerships with advocacy groups. Frontliners—including security personnel, mall tenant staff, and mall operations teams—receive regular training on how to provide respectful, informed assistance to customers on the autism spectrum.

“Being an inclusive mall requires consistent, year-long commitment,” Tan emphasized. “Our NACW activities reinforce our dedication to empowering communities and ensuring that every SM Supermall remains accepting, appreciative, and accommodating of customers of all needs.”

Through these groundbreaking initiatives, SM Supermalls continues its transformation into a deeply inclusive environment—one that celebrates neurodiversity and ensures that every Filipino can find comfort, community, and belonging within its spaces.