Moms of Tweens and Teens
The Moms of Tweens and Teens podcast offers encouragement, expert advice, and equips moms with a deeper understanding of the unique needs of their tween or teen and how to meet them where they’re at and support them to thrive. Sheryl Gould is the Founder of Moms of Tweens and Teens, a nationally recognized Parenting Educator, Speaker, and Author of “SOS: The Technology Guidebook for Parents of Tweens and Teens, Get The Answers You Need, Keep Them Safe and Enjoy Your Kids Again” and the forthcoming book, “You're Not Crazy, You’re Not A Bad Parent, And No Your Adolescent Doesn’t Really Hate You.”
Moms of Tweens and Teens
Helping Neurodivergent Teens Find Connection and Belonging with Jamie Pastrano, creator of Synchrony
If you’re parenting a neurodivergent teen and find yourself quietly wondering about their future friendships, independence, or sense of belonging—this episode is for you.
In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Jamie Pastrano, a licensed social worker, autism advocate, and the co-founder of Synchrony, a groundbreaking social app that officially launched in January 2026.
Jamie’s journey began as a mom raising her son Jesse, who is autistic. Like so many parents of neurodivergent kids, she worked tirelessly to support him through childhood—only to realize that as the teen years approached, one critical question remained unanswered:
How will my child find meaningful connection as an adult?
In this episode, we talk about:
- The often invisible loneliness many neurodivergent teens and adults experience
- Common misconceptions about autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence
- Why traditional social and dating apps often increase anxiety rather than connection
- How Synchrony is reimagining social connection through interest-based matching, built-in safety, and an AI-powered social coach designed to support confidence, independence, and belonging
- Why friendship—not dating—is often the foundation neurodivergent adults need first
If you’ve ever thought, I just want my teen to find their people and feel like they belong, you’ll want to listen to this episode.
To learn more about Synchrony or explore the app, visit joinsynchrony.com.
Where to find Jamie and the app:
Website: https://joinsynchrony.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-pastrano/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsynchrony/
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Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.