April 2nd 2025 Home of the Arts

Amanda Gorman
Apr 1
10 min read

Welcome to DISTRACTD

Welcome to DISTRACTD – March Edition

Hey friends!

Welcome (or welcome back!) to DISTRACTD – our monthly gathering where we connect, learn, laugh, and feel a little more understood. Whether you're new or a familiar face, I’m so glad you’re here.

DISTRACTD was born back in 2021, not long after I was diagnosed with ADHD. I was searching for information, support, and most importantly – my people. And somehow, through chats, shared experiences, and a sprinkle of chaos, here we are.

This regular event has become something truly special – a mix of new faces and returning legends, and it feels like coming home each time.

A Quick Apology

I want to apologise for last month’s cancellation. We had such a brilliant night planned with Dr Kristy Bayliss and Charmaine Owen, and I was gutted to have to pull the pin.But don’t worry – we’ll be rescheduling with both of them soon so you don’t miss out on their wisdom.

ADHD, Alfred, and the Wagon I Fell Off

Now, let’s talk about the year so far...

I started off so strong – eating well, sleeping properly, even exercising. I was on fire.And then… Alfred hit. Ten days without power, and everything – and I mean everything – went out the window.

With ADHD (or maybe it’s just an Amanda thing?), it can feel like one missed routine derails the whole system. I skip one workout, and suddenly I haven’t moved for six months. Classic.

Transitions are tough too – especially from holiday mode back to reality. I used to still be partying through March. But not this year! I found my rhythm early… until Alfred knocked it all sideways.

And honestly – what does exercise have to do with electricity?Nothing.That’s the beauty of the ADHD brain. It doesn’t always make sense.

We’re Back – And I'm So Glad

We’re back, and I’m so excited to be here with you for another awesome event. It’s felt like forever.

I’ve planned the whole year ahead with incredible speakers and themes coming your way. We’ll also be adding in:

Ticketed events
Casual meet-ups
Social hangs

Something for everyone – and I’m pumped.

If You’ve Emailed Me… I’m Sorry!

If you’ve emailed or called and I haven’t gotten back to you – I truly apologise. I’ve dropped the ball since Alfred. I’m not partying (thank god), but I’m behind on my desk days.

All the things that help my ADHD – regular bedtime, less sugar, exercise – have been on pause.

So – I’m putting it out there.

Next month, I’ll report back on how I’ve gone with getting back on track. You’re all officially holding me accountable.(There’s nothing like promising a whole room of people to get your act together – it’s like frantic house cleaning before guests arrive. You just get it done.)

A Little Love Note to You

I hope you’ve had a good month – or at least found a few joyful moments in the chaos. Please reach out if you’d like to connect or catch up.

And before we wrap:

You’re not broken. You’re brilliant – in ways the world is only just beginning to understand.Keep leaning into your strengths, your quirks, your spark.This space is proof that you don’t have to change who you are to belong.

See you next month,Amanda x

“Your weirdness will make you stronger. Your dark side will keep you whole. Your vulnerability will connect you to the rest of our suffering world. Your creativity will set you free.”— Andréa Balt

About Bionic Reading

You might notice parts of this blog or program using a slightly bolded first-half of words style. This is called Bionic Reading – a technique that helps the brain read faster and retain more by guiding your eyes through key parts of the word.

We’re trying it out to help support different types of brains and reading styles – especially those with ADHD, dyslexia, or who just like a little help focusing. Let us know if it helps!

DISTRACTD Events: Free, Accessible, and Community-Focused

At DISTRACTD, we are deeply committed to keeping our regular monthly events free and accessible for everyone. We recognize the financial challenges faced by many in the ADHD community, with treatments, therapies, and resources often being costly. Our goal is to ensure that these events remain a welcoming space for all, without financial barriers.

Throughout the year, we’ll also introduce ticketed events that will dive deeper into specific topics, such as Relationships and ADHD, Women with ADHD, and Understanding ADHD for Medical Professionals and Educators. These ticketed events will help fund our mission while offering focused learning opportunities for those who want to explore certain areas in depth.

To support the ongoing operation and growth of DISTRACTD, we’re introducing an optional donation system at our free events. If you can, a small contribution—like a gold coin donation or a digital donation via our self-operated Square system—will help us continue our work. However, if donating isn’t affordable for you, please know you are always welcome to attend for free.

Your contributions will help us:

Upgrade our tools like Mentimeter for interactive audience engagement.
Enhance our social media presence to reach more people.
Invest time in securing sponsorships to keep these events thriving.
Roll out our workplace training programs to promote ADHD inclusivity.

Every bit helps us grow and make a greater impact, and we are immensely grateful for your support. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more connected, and informed ADHD community.

You donate here

We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.

Here is our link to join and the QR code below . https://www.menti.com/altv56m12akzlink

Tonights schedule

6:00pm: Guest Arrival & Amanda Gorman Founder of DISTRACTD to do official intro and welcome.

6:10 pm : Speaker 1 : Alison Balson ( The Incremental Shift )

6:25 pm : Speaker 2 : Dr Chris Soo ( the ADHD Doctor)

6:40 pm : Live sound therapy demonstration ( Laura Garcia | Hibiscus sound )

7:00 pm : 15 min break

7:15 pm : Q & A begins

8:30 pm : Event officially concludes

Please follow and share our socials

T Shirts and Merch

Our T shirts and new pencils are on sale tonight .

JOIN THE MOVEMENT of Unity and support with our DISTRACTD T's. They are $30

"These shirts are more than just clothing - They are a symbol of Solidarity and acceptance . Wear it proudly to show that you stand with those with ADHD offering a silent nod of understanding and support. Together, lets create a community where everyone feels seen, accepted and valued." Amanda Gorman

Introducing the ADHD Affirmation Pencils: Quirky Reminders for Busy Minds

Whether you’re navigating life’s whirlwind or simply trying to remember that free trial you still haven’t cancelled, these pencils are here to bring a smile and a gentle nudge! With eight delightfully relatable phrases like “I knew better but I did it anyway” and “Is there wet washing to hang out?” — these colorful companions are perfect for taming the chaos or embracing it with a grin.

These make for the perfect cute, dopamine-seeking impulse purchase to brighten up your desk — or a thoughtful gift for someone you know with ADHD to show them that you see them, support them, and share a laugh at some of those little challenges we all know too well. Because sometimes, we all need a reminder to stay on top of things… or at least have a good chuckle about not!

They are $8.50

Meet your speakers:

Host

Amanda Gorman - DISTRACTD Founder

Amanda Gorman - founder of DISTRACTD

Amanda Gorman is the founder of Distractd, a TEDx speaker, ADHD educator and advocate, visual artist, and textile designer. As a co-founder of the GC Music Network and Director of Strategic Partnerships, Amanda is deeply involved in her community, both as a professional and as a devoted mother and wife on the Gold Coast.

Passionate about bridging the gap between industry experts and individuals with ADHD, Amanda is committed to fostering understanding and empowerment. She believes in the power of self-advocacy and is dedicated to helping those with ADHD embrace their uniqueness while gaining deeper insights into their condition. Through Distractd, Amanda has created a platform that supports connection, solidarity, and community—a place for individuals to find the support they need on their journey toward greater understanding and self-empowerment.

Speaker 1

Alison Balson The incremental shift

Alison Balson is a Family Dynamics Strategist, ADHD and Neurodiversity Coach, and founder of The Incremental Shift. With lived experience as a parent to four twice-exceptional (2e) boys—and a partner in an ADHD household—Alison brings warmth, wisdom, and real-world strategies to her work with families navigating neurodiversity.

At this month's DISTRACTD event, Alison will speak on the theme of ADHD, identity, and self-acceptance. She’ll explore the deep-rooted challenges of masking, people-pleasing, and internalised self-doubt—while offering practical, strengths-based ways to step into your authentic self. Through the power of self-compassion and incremental mindset shifts, Alison helps us embrace the way our brains work and let go of fear and judgement.

Her work is deeply grounded in lived experience, delivered with humour and heart, and designed to support lasting, meaningful change—for individuals and families alike.

www.theincrementalshift.com

Speaker 2

Dr Chris Soo

Dr Chris Soo

Chris is the Gold Coast’s leading ADHD, Autism & neurodevelopmental specialist GP, and is a lived experience clinician. He enjoys sharing his hard-earned insights with fellow ADHDers, is passionate about good mental health, and loves to help people of all ages gain control of their lives and support them in pursuing and achieving their life goals and dreams.

Chris is on the board of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) and serves on their Training and Education Committee. He founded the QLD ADHD GP Alliance, is a member of the RACGP ADHD, ASD and Neurodiversity Special Interest Group, and has presented to clinicians around Australia at conferences and education seminars on how to better identify, treat, and support people with ADHD.

Theadhddoctor.com.au

The ADHD Doctor @ Mermaid Central Medical Clinic

2431 Gold Coast Highway

Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

Admin@mermaidmc.com.au

0755752444

Spill the ADHD Tea! ☕️

Want to be featured in our upcoming monthly program? We’d love to spotlight our amazing ADHD community! Share your story in “The ADHD Minute”: a quick profile where you tell us about your quirks, passions, and what keeps you motivated (or hilariously distracted!). It’s your chance to spill the ADHD tea and let others see a bit of the real, relatable you Interested? Let us know, and let’s show off the diverse and dynamic voices of our community! Email "Im Keen to spill the tea" to distractdhq@gmail.com now and we will be in touch with you for our future ADHD minutes.

WORKPLACE NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING DID YOU SAY???

Bring Neurodiversity to the Forefront of Your Workplace!

We’re excited to introduce a new training program—think of it like a first aid refresher, but for building a more neuroinclusive workplace! Our facilitators bring the training to you, either in-person or online, guiding your team through key topics like neuroinclusive onboarding, advertising and interviewing practices, workplace accommodations, and developing impactful policies.

Neurodiverse individuals often lead as entrepreneurs and innovators, and we want to help you recognize and nurture the value of these out-of-the-box thinkers within your workplace. Developed by DISTRACTD in partnership with leading GPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists, this strengths-based program addresses the good, the challenges, and the unexpected—equipping your organization to create a supportive environment where neurodiverse talent thrives.

Ready to take the next step? Submit your expression of interest, and together, let’s create a workplace where every unique mind is empowered to succeed!

https://www.distractd.org

Check Out Amandas TEDx Talk

Thank you for being part of our growing community! We’re so excited to have you with us—stay connected, stay curious, and join us at our monthly events to keep the conversation going.

We’d love to hear about the podcasts, books, videos, or groups that inspire you, so we can share them with our audience. Drop us a line anytime at distractdhq@gmail.com—we’d love to hear from you!

A heartfelt thanks this month to Alison, Chris and Laura for generously sharing their time, expertise, and insights with us.

Finally, I’m endlessly grateful to my family, friends, and the incredible staff at HOTA for their ongoing support in bringing these events to life every month.

With appreciation, Amanda, Hannah & the DISTRACTD team xx

Howdy Partner ..

Partner with Us!

We’re always looking to build meaningful partnerships with those who want to support our vibrant ADHD community. Interested in becoming a sponsor? We have a variety of sponsorship packages available to help amplify your brand while making a positive impact. Let’s work together to create something amazing! Reach out to us to learn more. distractdhq@gmail.com

Our next event will be on Wednesday May 7th. Keep an eye on our socials for updates on speakers and event details—we can’t wait to see you there!

Ticket link to DISTRACTD for next month will be direct with HOTA at this link below.

https://hota.com.au/whats-on/live/talks-and-ideas/distracted

WELCOME

April 2nd 2025 Home of the Arts

A Quick Apology

ADHD, Alfred, and the Wagon I Fell Off

We’re Back – And I'm So Glad

If You’ve Emailed Me… I’m Sorry!

A Little Love Note to You

T Shirts and Merch

Introducing the ADHD Affirmation Pencils: Quirky Reminders for Busy Minds

Host

Amanda Gorman - DISTRACTD Founder

Amanda Gorman - founder of DISTRACTD

Speaker 1

Speaker 2

Dr Chris Soo

Spill the ADHD Tea! ☕️

WORKPLACE NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING DID YOU SAY???

Recommended reading / Viewing / Listening:

Check Out Amandas TEDx Talk

Howdy Partner ..

Recent Posts

Comments