Students present neurodiversity course; board recognizes Lorena Carmona Lopez as Bergen County unsung hero

Laura Ironman, a Saddle Brook schools speech pathologist, told the board that she created and has taught a half-year neurodiversity course for three years and that enrollment reached 24 students this year. Ironman said the course covers a range of neurotypes beyond autism and aims to build empathy and understanding among students.

Student presenters described classroom projects. One student said autistic people may use nonverbal communication and that 'masking' is an exhausting strategy some use to fit in; another student, Caden Donahue, described traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes and recommended routine and professional support for people recovering from TBI.

The board also formally recognized Lorena Carmona Lopez with a resolution noting her selection as the Saddle Brook recipient of the 2026 Bergen County Unsung Hero Awards and stating the award was presented on 03/04/2026 at Henry P. Becton Regional High School. Superintendent Bialetti and a staff member introduced the student and read the resolution before the school acknowledged her publicly.

Why it matters: The course and student work reflect district curriculum choices and the board’s public affirmation of inclusive programming; the Unsung Hero award highlights notable student contributions and county-level recognition.

What’s next: Ironman said the course will continue and the district plans to sustain the instructional-rounds model that supported the class. Photos of the recognition and student posters were taken at the meeting.