December LIVE
- Amanda Gorman
- 3 days ago
- 15 min read
Tuning In: ADHD, Stress & the Hidden Story Your Body is Telling
A Note from Amanda
This is our last DISTRACTD live event for this year, and honestly… my heart is full. I’m so grateful for the community we’ve built together — the conversations, the honesty, the curiosity, and the way you all show up with humour, compassion, and how we all 'GET" each other.
We’ve had incredible speakers this year, and I’ve learned so much — not just about ADHD, but about myself. ADHD isn’t going anywhere for me any time soon, so I’m always gathering as much information as I can. And tonight’s theme feels especially close to home for me: stress and the body.
If I’m honest, I think I use stress as a tool to get things done. Does anyone else do that? Like I need a certain level of pressure to function? I know it’s not healthy, but I’m fascinated to hear what our speakers say about it tonight, because if I had no stress… I don’t know if I’d do anything at all!
It definitely plays out in real life. I told you last month about my holiday — sunshine, swimming, slowing down. When I got back, my chiropractor told me my scoliosis was the best he’s seen it in ages. It’s still there (it’s not going anywhere either !), but it was such a reminder of what a reset can do when I actually stop.
I also wanted to share something I’ve been working on excitedly behind the scenes… Christmas merch!
I LOVE Christmas, so I’ve created a few things for you this year:
A limited-edition DISTRACTD Bauble —“I’ve created a limited-edition, hand-painted DISTRACTD Christmas Bauble this year — and I’d really love these to become annual collectibles. They’re not perfect, and that’s exactly the point.
Each one is completely individual, painted by hand, perfectly imperfect — just like all of us.
Everything in the world right now feels polished and curated and edited within an inch of its life. These little baubles are the opposite: they’re honest. They’re real. They’re each a bit different, shaped by my hands, my ADHD brain, and whatever music, snacks, or chaos was happening that day.
They’re a tiny reminder of what it means to be neurodivergent — all kinds of minds, all kinds of patterns, all kinds of beautiful differences. No two are the same, and that’s what makes them special.”
ADHD Gift Tags — funny, relatable (apparently only to us ND folk — my husband did not relate 😂).
The 12 Days of Christmas – ADHD Style greeting card duo — ridiculous and so much fun. You have to try singing the song. .
Every purchase genuinely helps keep DISTRACTD running and growing.
I’m so grateful to everyone who shows up, asks questions, buys merch, sends recommended reading, tags friends, shares posts — all of it. I’m so glad you’re here.
I’ll be taking a break over Christmas before diving back into studying and prepping for DISTRACTD next year. If you haven’t already, please fill in the EOI for our Neurodiversity Workplace Training — we’ll send you the info pack so you can choose the level that suits your organisation.
And if you’d like to join us for our DISTRACTD Christmas Party on December 21, grab your free tickets. I’d love to hang out with you all in a more relaxed way before the year wraps.
We’re also opening up sponsorship opportunities for 2025. If you’re keen to support DISTRACTD in a bigger way, please reach out — we’ll be putting together the sponsor promotional materials early next year and don’t want anyone to miss out on getting their logo on these.
Tonight’s speakers are going to be incredible, and I cannot wait to hear the deeper science behind stress and ADHD. I hope your end of year is full of fun and happiness.
Cheers to you all — and I’ll see you on the 21st if you're keen to join us.
We’re finishing 2025 with a relaxed Christmas Mingle Titled "Oh Look ... Christmas — The Neurodivergent edition in collaboration with ARRC. It will be the 21st December 10-2pm . It’ll be a fun, easy, come-as-you-are kind of day to celebrate this amazing community and everything we’ve built together. There will be A christmas photo station, Speed Mingle fun , BBQ Snags, & Live Music. Registration details here .
As always, thank you for being here — for showing up, for laughing, for sharing, and for helping us keep the lights on and the love flowing.
Your presence really does make DISTRACTD what it is.
Big love,
Amanda Gorman
Founder – DISTRACTD
We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.
Here is our link to join Event Schedule
6:00 pm – Guest Arrival & Official Welcome by Amanda Gorman, Founder of DISTRACTD ( 10 mins )
6:10 pm – Speaker 1: Sunelle Asmussen ( 15 mins )
6:30 pm – Speaker 2: Melissa Tait ( 10 mins )
6:45 pm – Speaker 3: Angelique Young ( 10mins )
7:00 pm – 15 min Break
7:15 pm – Speaker 4: Dr Chris Stapelberg ( 20 mins )
7:35 pm - Q & A session with all speakers (45 mins)
8:20 pm – Closing Remarks and mingle
8:30 pm – Event Concludes
Please follow and share our socials
T-Shirts & Merch
NEW: DISTRACTD Christmas Merch
2025
Playful, colourful, inclusive gifts that support neurodivergent joy.
This year we’re launching our very first DISTRACTD Christmas Collection — a small run of colourful, meaningful gifts created to celebrate neurodivergent brains and raise funds for our community programs.
What’s in the Christmas Collection
ADHD Gift Tag Sets (4 themes, 9 tags in each set)
Playful, cheeky, brightly-coloured tags with little winks of neurospicy humour.
Perfect for presents, teacher gifts, Secret Santas, or your own wrapping stash.
ONE OF 4 PACKETS Limited Edition DISTRACTD Ornament (2025)
Why this matters
Every item you buy helps support the monthly DISTRACTD events, youth programs, materials, decorations, volunteers, and all the behind-the-scenes chaos that keeps this community running.
This is more than merch — it’s helping us build something meaningful, sustainable, and joyful.
🛍️ Where to buy
👉 Available at the December DISTRACTD event
👉 Online store opening soon at www.distractd.org (I can add the exact link once live)
Our DISTRACTD T-Shirts and new ADHD affirmation pencils are available tonight.
✨ JOIN THE MOVEMENT** of unity and support with a DISTRACTD tee — just $30.
“These shirts are more than just clothing. They are a symbol of solidarity and acceptance. Wear it proudly to show thatyou stand with those with ADHD, offering a silent nod of understanding and support. Together, let’s 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 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 : Sunelle Asmussen (AMHSW)(BCN-A)(QEEG-D) | Director
Connections-Psychotherapy & Neurofeedback Service
3/20 Nerang Street, Nerang QLD 4211
Phone: (07) 2111 7976
Fax: (07) 2111 7974
Sunelle is the Founder and Director of Connections, a Clinical Social Worker, and an Advanced BCIA-International Board-Certified Neurofeedback and QEEG-Diplomate Licensed Practitioner. She is registered with both the Australian and USA Boards of Biofeedback to provide neurofeedback mentoring and currently serves as the elected Chair of BCIA-A.
With over 25 years of experience working with children and families across South Africa, the UK, and Australia, her professional approach is firmly grounded in traditional, evidence-based therapies, adhering to the highest professional standards and ethical guidelines. At the same time, Sunelle is a passionate lifelong learner, committed to exploring and incorporating emerging evidence-based interventions to stay at the forefront of advancements in mental health and wellbeing.
Prior to founding her private practice, Sunelle spent more than a decade with Queensland Health, delivering specialist mental health services to children and families. Her work focused on addressing trauma, attachment, grief and loss, and developmental challenges. As a systemic therapist, she emphasises a holistic approach to wellbeing, collaborating closely with families and other professionals to achieve optimal outcomes for her clients.
Over the past 25 years, Sunelle has deepened her expertise by training in various play therapy modalities and earning advanced certifications in Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT). Most recently, she achieved accreditation in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy. Additionally, she is a registered Paediatric Massage Consultant and Trauma-Informed Kids Yoga Teacher.
Driven by her special interest in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services, Sunelle completed the Australian Psychological Society’s Non-Directive Perinatal Counselling training and is registered with Medicare to provide specialised Perinatal Services.
Sunelle’s extensive training also includes certifications in EFT (Levels 1 & 2) and EMDR (Levels 1 & 2), reflecting her dedication to a comprehensive and client-centred therapeutic approach.
Sunelle is a registered Medicare provider.
0420 211 4700420 211 4700420 211 47040 211
Speaker 2
Melissa Tait
Credentialled Diabetes Educator & Sandtray Therapist
3/20 Nerang Street, Nerang QLD 4211,Australia
Send Us An Email
Call Us
(07) 2111 7975 (07) 2111 7974 (Fax)
Melissa is a Registered Clinical Nurse Specialist and Credentialled Diabetes Educator with over 18 years’ experience managing chronic diseases in both public and private health sectors, as well as her own private practice. She specialises in newly diagnosed and insulin-managed diabetes, insulin pump therapy, and diabetes technology, such as continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) to provide comprehensive support for individuals with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Through a wellness and client-centred approach, Melissa works collaboratively with each client’s multidisciplinary team to achieve an optimal outcome in their diabetes management.Melissa’s public health service led her to Sandtray Therapy, where she combines her medical expertise and trauma-informed care with holistic and non-traditional talk therapies to support clients who have experienced medical or complex trauma, those with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or who are navigating grief, loss, anxiety, or depression. She is passionate about working with families, particularly paediatric and young adults, to foster expression, processing, and advocacy within these individuals. In addition to her clinical work, Melissa enjoys contributing to the professional development of future healthcare practitioners and is a learning facilitator and lecturer for Southern Cross University’s postgraduate Diabetes Education program. Melissa is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA).
Speaker 3
Dr Chris Stapelberg
Chris is a psychiatrist and academic. He has previously served as the Professor for Mental Health at Bond University and as the lead for mental health research at Gold Coast Hospital, while working in clinical psychiatry.
As a researcher, Chris investigated how stress, mental illness and chronic lifestyle diseases are inter-related. He has also worked in the field of artificial intelligence called machine learning, creating computer programs which teach themselves to recognise mental health presentations in emergency department data.
Chris currently works in private practice, providing telehealth services to regional, rural and remote Australians, while writing science fiction novels and composing music.
Email: admin@tsppc.com.au
Phone: (07) 5528 5222
Meet Our Lovely Volunteers.
Kira Jaechel
Kira is a PhD candidate at Griffith University with a background in psychology and a research focus on youth homelessness in Australia. Inspired by both personal experiences and her work in the field, she’s passionate about understanding how people find resilience, connection, and purpose in challenging circumstances. At DISTRACTD, she combines her curiosity about human behavior with a creative approach to explore how attention, emotion, and everyday human experiences intersect — always aiming to challenge stereotypes and foster understanding. Her goal, both in research and in everyday life, is simple — to make someone’s day a little better.
Charlie Boath
Hi there! My name is Charlie (they/she). I’m an AuDHDer with several comorbidities and other funky things like Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) that have meant I've spent a lot of the past 8 years going to a lot of appointments, doing treatments, and all the admin that goes with. It has been a lot of work building capacity and finding ways to make things accessible for myself so I can engage in a fulfilling life.
Recently, if you see me out and about I'll likely be using my trusty walking stick or walker on my way to a cafe, op shop, or going to meet with friends to play dungeons and dragons or go to karaoke. At home I enjoy spending time with my pets, doing sewing or cross stitch, reading a good book, playing a video game, or baking some yummy gluten free banana bread.
Between a tonne of life experience and some qualifications, quite a few members of my medical team and friends in the community have suggested I look into providing education to healthcare providers on disability, and work on changing systems to make things more accessible. To try and accomplish this, I am currently studying towards a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology, minoring in Ageing and Disability. With a handful of years before I finish the Bachelor's I want to get started doing what I can to support the community now.
I discovered Distractd about a year ago and thought it was just fantastic, immediately wanting to get involved helping however I can. I look forward to helping with accessibility, creating more opportunities for the community to connect, organising events, and more.
Very much looking forward to the opportunity to contribute what I can,
Charlie
Free Resources to Share
We’ve created downloadable DISTRACTD info packs that you’re welcome to print and share — with your workplace, friends, family, clients, or even pin up at your local community noticeboard or shopping centre! We would love you to snap a pic of where you pin them and tag us on our socials so we can see.
You can help spread the word and spark more conversations about ADHD, neurodivergence, and mental health.
Link here Print, share, stick it up — we’d love your help.
WORKPLACE NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING COMING TO YOU 2026. BOOK IN NOW
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!
Bookings Open Jan 2026
Register here
DISTRACTD COMMUNITY RESOURCE LIST — 2025
🎧 PODCASTS
Climbing the Walls
WTF is AUDHD
How I Met My Brain – Matilda Bosely
ADHD Chatter – Alex Partridge
The Neurodivergent Woman – Monique Mitchelson & Michelle Livock
I Have ADHD – Kristen Carder
Scattered Minds – Inspired by Dr Gabor Maté
ADHD Experts Podcast (ADDitude Magazine)
The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast
Emsolation – Em Rusciano
BOOKS
The Year I Met My Brain – Matilda Bosely
Scattered Minds – Dr Gabor Maté
How to Keep House While Drowning – KC Davis
Atomic Habits – James Clear
ADHD 2.0 – Edward Hallowell & John Ratey
Your Brain’s Not Broken – Tamara Rosier
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD – Sari Solden & Michelle Frank
Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD – Susan C. Pinsky
Blood, Sweat and Glitter – Em Rusciano (NEW and on Amandas Christmas List )
APPS & DIGITAL SUPPORT
Forest – Grow a tree while you focus.
Todoist – Simple task manager with reminders.
Notion – Build a system for your brain.
Finch – Self-care turned into a gentle game.
Dubbi App – ADHD-friendly voice journaling.
Insight Timer – Meditation, sleep, grounding.
Yoto Audio Player – Screen-free stories/music for ND kids.
CREATORS & ACCOUNTS
@adhdmemetherapy – The memes that keep us alive.
@tarah.and.barry – ND + NT couple navigating life.
@adhd_love – Creators of Dubbi; great ADHD education.
@domesticblisters / @strugglecare – KC Davis and the “good enough” approach.
@tarahelizabeth – Chaos, colour, creativity, and honesty.
How to ADHD (Jessica McCabe, YouTube)
HealthyGamerGG (YouTube) – Mental health + gaming + ADHD.
ADHD Mums (adhdmums.com.au/resources) – Massive Australian resource hub.
ND-Friendly TOOLS, SUPPORTS & SERVICES
NeuroFit Program (Daniel Bennett, ARRC + Tidal Health) – Inclusive movement for neurodivergent bodies.
hellowable.com – Dating for neurodivergent people.
ADDitude Magazine – Articles, webinars, community stories.
CHADD.org – Evidence-based ADHD education & advocacy.
Local wins from the survey:
body-doubling with friends
library as a low-stim workspace
journaling groups
weekly dopamine-ritual routines
ND-Friendly Toys by Sensory Need + Age
MOVEMENT / GROSS MOTOR
Ages 1–3
Indoor Sensory Swing – calming pressure + movement
Stapelstein Elements – stacking, stepping, wobbling
Jungle Jumparoo – safe jumping and vestibular input
Nugget Play Couch / Chunk – climb, jump, crash-pad fun
Ages 3–6
Bolder Play Stair Slide – proprioceptive + vestibular input
Tree Frog Play Rock Wall & Monkey Bars – climbing, strength, coordination
BT Toys Balance Beam – balance + core stability
Nex Playground – movement games via screen interaction
Ages 6–10+
Swelly Water Scooter – underwater resistance + movement
Spinning Chair – vestibular input
Jungle Jumparoo (still great for older kids)
Rock Wall / Monkey Bars (scaled up for older kids)
CREATIVE / IMAGINATIVE PLAY
Ages 1–3
Sarah’s Silks – open-ended, soothing sensory play
Ages 3–6
Connetix Magnetic Tiles
MagnaTiles
SuperSpace Magnetic Tiles – larger builds, forts
Nugget Play Couch – pretend play setups
Ages 6–10+
Rail Cubes – creative track building
Foamnasium FoamMan – imaginative sculptural play
FINE MOTOR / HAND–EYE COORDINATION
Ages 1–3
Chompsaw Power Tool – pretend tool with hand activation
Yoto Player (button pressing is simple + sensory reward)
Ages 3–6
AirToobz – connecting tubes + cause & effect
Magnetic Tiles (all brands) – small grip work
Ages 6–10+
Rail Cubes – precise building
Infini Book Reader – page-turning + interactive literacy tasks
SENSORY-SEEKING / REGULATION TOOLS
Ages 1–3
Stapelstein Stones – jumping, rocking
Indoor Swing – deep pressure + vestibular
Ages 3–6
Foamnasium Foam Pit – crash pad + heavy work
Nugget Chunk – squish + pressure
Spinning Chair – safe spinning to regulate
Ages 6–10+
Rail Cubes (visually regulating + problem-solving)
Swelly Water Scooter – deep pressure underwater
Nex Playground Games – structured movement
STEM / COGNITIVE + PROBLEM SOLVING
Ages 3–6
Magnetic Tiles (all types)
AirToobz – airflow experiments
Ages 6–10+
Miko 3 AI Robot – coding, logic
Rail Cubes – engineering-style construction
Infini Book Reader – interactive literacy
CALM CORNER / REGULATION SPACE SETUP
Great for all ages — mix & match:
Nugget Couch
Stapelstein Stones
Sensory Swing
Foamnasium Pit
Sarah’s Silks (soft, soothing)
Yoto Player (stories for grounding)
WEBSITES & ONLINE RESOURCES
ADDitude Magazine
ADHD Mums (Australia): https://adhdmums.com.au/resources/
hellowable.com – ND dating
LOCAL SUPPORTS & COMMUNITY
Body-doubling with friends
Library as a low-stimulation workspace
Journaling groups
NeuroFit (ARRC x Tidal Health) – inclusive ND-friendly movement
DISTRACTD Events, Workshops & Community
FROM AMANDA / DISTRACTD
TEDx Talk: ADHD is Not a Superpower (And That’s Okay)
DISTRACTD Christmas Baubles – hand-painted, perfectly imperfect
ADHD “12 Days of Christmas” Card Duo
ND Gift Tags
EXTRA
ND Workplace Training — EOI open now
DISTRACTD Christmas Party — free tickets available
2026 Sponsorship Opportunities — info available
We’ve teamed up with our friend (and regular DISTRACTD speaker) Daniel Bennett to bring you NeuroFit — a program run through ARRC and Tidal Health.
NeuroFit is all about inclusive, supportive movement for neurodivergent brains and bodies. It’s casual, fun, and designed to meet you where you’re at. Amanda will be there as much as possible — in between Saturday family activities — and we’d love to see you too!
Saturdays this December at ARRC 8am - 10 am
Saturday 6th
Saturday 13th
Saturday 20th
Saturday 27th ( NO Neuro fit )
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 Dr Chris Stapelberg, Sunelle Asmussen and the team from Neuro connections Melissa Tait and Angelique Young, 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 & the DISTRACTD team xx
Howdy Partner ..
DISTRACTD is free and community-powered — and we’re looking for sponsors and partners who want to help us grow. Beyond financial support, we’d love to hear from businesses and services who can donate skills, services, or equipment. Areas where we need support include accounting, printing, merch supply, podcast and recording equipment, tech hardware, catering, and event supplies. Every bit of help allows us to keep these events free and accessible while building a stronger, more connected neurodiverse community.
Up next month :
We’re back next year! Our first DISTRACTD event for 2026 is on Wednesday 11 February.
It’s the only date that’s different — HOTA is hosting the AACTA Awards on the first Wednesday, so we’re shifting just this once.
From March onward, we’re back to business as usual: the first Wednesday of every month.
March 4th
April 1st
May 6th
June 3rd
July 1st
Aug 5th
Sept 2nd
Oct 7th
Nov 4th
Dec 2nd
Tickets: They are not live on the HOTA website as yet. We will let you know when they are.
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