We use extensions to study the semi-simple quotient of the group ring FpAut(P ) of a finite p-group P . For an extension E : N → P → Q, our results involve relations between Aut(N), Aut(P ), Aut(Q) and the extension class [E] ∈ H(Q,ZN). One novel feature is the use of the intersection orbit group Ω([E]), defined as the intersection of the orbits Aut(N) · [E] and Aut(Q) · [E] in H(Q,ZN). This gr...