For many neurodivergent adults, building connection can create anxiety and uneasiness. This episode explores how emerging technology is offering ways to make social interaction feel safer, easier, and more authentic.
Rooted in personal experience and deep understanding of the neurodivergent community, this approach uses artificial intelligence to gently guide communication and build confidence, helping connection unfold in a way that feels accessible and supportive.
Jamie Pastrano
As the mother of a son with autism, Jamie Pastrano has both personal and professional experience with autism, and has been navigating support services since his diagnosis at age two.
Professionally, Jamie received a Master of Social Work degree from Wurzweiler University and a PEERS certification from UCLA. PEERS is an evidence-based social skills treatment for adolescents and young adults with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socio-emotional problems. She has worked in crisis intervention for families of children with developmental disabilities and 20+ years as an executive sales director for a benefits consulting firm.
Jamie is committed to offering her experiences as a Certified Social Worker, PEERS provider, and mother to help support neurodivergent young adults achieve their social, vocational, and independent living goals.
She lives in New York City with her husband, Jason, two children, Jesse and Cameron, and her French bulldog, Ferguson.
Brittany Moser
Brittany Moser is the Director of Learning Design in the Higher Education space and a respected Autism Specialist who brings Australian-born perspectives to her work in the United States. With a Master’s degree in Autism Studies and extensive experience in NYC schools, she has dedicated her career to developing innovative tools and resources that enhance the lives of the autism community.
In her current role, Brittany leads learning design initiatives in higher education while maintaining active corporate consulting focused on improving neurodiverse workplace practices and understanding. Drawing from her creative approach and deep understanding of neurodiversity, she specializes in crafting personalized support strategies that address the unique needs of both educational institutions and corporate environments.
Her diverse experience spans from direct support work in NYC schools to transforming organizational practices through her consulting work. Her commitment to understanding and meeting the diverse needs of this population, combined with her expertise in learning design, has established her as a trusted voice in both educational and corporate settings. She consistently seeks out opportunities to develop new resources and methodologies that better serve the autism community and create more inclusive environments across all sectors.
Jamie and Brittany's Resources
The Jōrni Resources
https://thejornipodcast.com for show notes
https://thejorniblog.com for more holistic healing and mental health resources
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