Sensory Santa Comes to As Burgers Go for families on the Spectrum

Lauren Merrill Budd, a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and the creative force behind “As Burgers Go”, is dedicated to providing families and children, especially those on the autism spectrum, with unique and inclusive experiences. With over 25 years of experience in the field of communication sciences and disorders, Lauren has spent her career supporting children and adults with a variety of speech, feeding, and social challenges. Her extensive training and compassionate approach make her a standout professional in her field.

Lauren's commitment to creating inclusive spaces for children was evident in her recent “Sensory Friendly Santa and Crafts Workshop”, hosted for families on the spectrum. The event, held by “As Burgers Go” , offered a welcoming, low-stress environment where children could enjoy meeting Santa Claus, inspired by the Polar Express, without the overwhelming crowds or noise often associated with holiday events. Santa greeted the children in a calm, relaxed setting, making each interaction meaningful and stress-free.

To further enrich the experience, Lauren provided arts and crafts activities, as well as face painting, which are not only fun but also therapeutic for children who benefit from tactile, kinesthetic activities. These crafts allowed children to express themselves creatively while developing motor skills. For many of the attendees, it was a rare opportunity to engage in a joyful holiday experience that was tailored to their sensory needs and abilities.

As Burgers Go: More Than Just a Business

Beyond holiday events, Lauren’s business, “As Burgers Go,” specializes in sensory-friendly birthday parties, camps, and group activities designed for children with diverse needs. These parties are specifically structured to accommodate children with sensory processing challenges, providing them with the opportunity to experience typical childhood milestones in a supportive, understanding environment. The hands-on activities, including crafts with food (designed to address feeding aversions), promote engagement, interaction, and inclusion while reducing sensory overload.

Lauren’s approach is rooted in her extensive training in neurologic/neurogenic communication disorders, feeding therapy, and Myofunctional Therapy. She is widely recognized for her expertise in auditory processing, pragmatic disorders, and feeding challenges. Her innovative programs, such as Social Thinking Language Groups and Community Transition Therapy, go beyond traditional therapy by offering real-world experiences that build vital life skills for children and young adults.

Lauren’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from San Jose State University (2000) and a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Teachers College, Columbia University (2003), with a minor in Deaf Education. She has worked across a wide variety of settings including medical environments, private practice, rehabilitation centers, and public schools. Throughout her career, Lauren has been committed to evidence-based practices and has worked with individuals ranging from newborns to geriatrics.

In addition to her work in traditional speech therapy, Lauren’s focus has expanded to feeding therapy, tongue-tie assessment, breastfeeding support, and swallowing disorders, which sets her apart as a clinician with an interdisciplinary approach to speech and communication challenges. Her ability to provide such a wide range of services stems from years of training and a passion for helping individuals with complex needs navigate the challenges they face.

As Lauren continues to grow her practice, she is expanding her work to address the needs of infants, toddlers, and teenagers, with programs targeting infant development through baby sign language, toddler language and play skills, and adolescent problem-solving and executive functioning. She is also developing more socialization groups for teens to support the transition from childhood to adolescence.

Lauren’s vision for “As Burgers Go,” is to create more spaces where children of all abilities can thrive—whether through community-based learning, sensory-friendly birthday parties, or therapy programs designed to help children build independence and confidence. With her innovative, compassionate approach, Lauren is making a significant difference in the lives of families, children, and communities across New York.

Through her work, Lauren Budd embodies the essence of inclusion, empowerment, and support. She provides not just therapy, but a holistic approach to fostering communication, socialization, and sensory processing skills in children—helping each one reach their full potential, one step at a time.

For more information visit Asburgersgo.com