DISTRACTD August Live
- Amanda Gorman
- Aug 4
- 11 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
What Actually Helps?
Finding the Right Supports for ADHD
“Everyone says, ‘Get support.’ But what does that actually mean?”
Medication. Therapy. Exercise. Nutrition. Occupational therapy. Coaching. Body doubling. Apps. Routines.
The list can feel endless.
For many people, receiving an ADHD diagnosis isn’t the end of the journey—it’s the beginning of a whole new set of questions.
Where do I start?
Which supports are backed by evidence? Which professional should I see first? Do I need medication? Would an occupational therapist help? Is exercise really that important? Should I be taking supplements?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the number of options, you’re not alone.
This month at DISTRACTD we’re cutting through the noise to explore what actually helps.
Rather than searching for one perfect solution, we’ll explore how different supports work together and how to build a personalised ADHD Support Toolkit that fits your life, your goals and your brain.
Come curious.
Leave clearer.
A Note from Amanda
A Note from Amanda
Welcome, and thank you so much for being here.
Whether this is your first DISTRACTD event or you’ve been with us for years, I’m really glad you’ve chosen to spend your evening with us.
One of the things I’ve noticed time and time again is that many people receive an ADHD diagnosis, only to be left wondering…
“Where do I go from here?”
We’re often told to eat better, exercise more and get enough sleep. We hear about psychologists, ADHD coaches, occupational therapists, dietitians, GPs, psychiatrists, personal trainers, body doubling, supplements, apps and routines.
The problem isn’t that there aren’t enough options.
The problem is that there are so many options.
Many of them take time. Many of them cost money. And when you’re already feeling overwhelmed, trying to work out where to begin can become another impossible task.
My hope for tonight isn’t that you leave feeling like you need to do everything.
It’s that you leave with a clearer understanding of the different supports available and perhaps one or two ideas that feel achievable for you right now.
For some people, that might be finding a GP they trust who can help guide the journey over time. For others, it might be exploring movement, improving nutrition, connecting with a psychologist, or simply discovering that they’re not alone.
There is no perfect ADHD support plan.
There is only the support that is right for you, at this point in your life.
I hope tonight helps you feel a little more informed, a little less overwhelmed, and a little more confident about building your own ADHD Support Toolkit.
Thank you for being part of our community.
Amanda Gorman
Founder | DISTRACTD
We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.
Here is our link to join the Event Schedule
6:00 pm – Welcome note from Amanda (15 mins)
6:15 pm – Speaker 1: Dr Kristy Bayliss (GP) (15 mins)
6:30 pm – Speaker 2: Daniell Bennett ( exercise physiologist ) (15 mins)
6:45 pm – Speaker 3: Angelique Young ( Natropath) (15 mins)
7:05 pm – Chat about Body Doubling, Donations and Upcoming Events – Amanda
7:10 pm – Break
7:30 pm – Panel Q&A with Dr Kristy Bayliss , Daniell Bennett and Angelique Young
8:20 pm – Wrap Up – Amanda
Thank speakers, promote August event, mingle, body double, donate
8:30 pm – Event Concludes and Bump Out Commences
8:45 pm – Bump Out Complete and Leave Site
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Be updated with our 2026 live events
this link will put the dates into your calendar
Support the Movement
Our DISTRACTD T-shirts and ADHD affirmation pencils are available tonight at the merch table. We also have a few new T-shirt designs to check out alongside our favourites.
Join the movement of unity and support with a DISTRACTD tee for $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, let’s create a community where everyone feels seen, accepted and valued.” -Amanda Gorman
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 delightfully relatable phrases like “I knew better but I did it anyway” and “Is there wet washing to hang out?”, they’re perfect for taming the chaos or embracing it with a grin.
A cute little desk companion or thoughtful gift for someone with ADHD — a small way to say, “I see you.”
$8.50 each.
Meet your speakers:
Host
Amanda Gorman - DISTRACTD Founder
Amanda 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.
Follow Amanda: https://www.instagram.com/amandagormanartist/
Speaker 1 : Dr Kristy Bayliss
General Practitioner
Dr Kristy Bayliss is a General Practitioner with a special interest in neurodevelopmental conditions including ADHD and autism.
She is known for her compassionate, practical approach to helping individuals and families navigate diagnosis, treatment pathways, and the everyday realities of neurodivergence.
Dr Kristy is passionate about neuroaffirming, patient-centred care and works closely with children and adults to better understand both their challenges and strengths.
Through her work in primary care, she helps many people who first present with anxiety, depression or burnout before ADHD is recognised, bringing clarity and understanding to what can often feel like a confusing journey.
Speaker 2: Daniell Bennett
Senior Phsiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist
Dr Daniell Bennett is a physiotherapist and accredited exercise physiologist with a clinical focus on complex pain, neurological conditions, brain injury, neurodivergence, and performance rehabilitation.
He is the founder of Adaptive Rehabilitation & Recreation Centre (ARRC) and Tidal Health, where he works alongside a multidisciplinary team integrating rehabilitation, exercise science, and adaptive sport.
Dan has contributed to adaptive sport development as an International Classifier for the Para Surfing Association and collaborates with universities and para-sport organisations to support participation and performance pathways for athletes with disability.
His clinical approach combines rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and movement-based therapy to support individuals recovering from injury, managing long-term conditions, or working toward higher levels of physical performance.
Through ARRC, Dan is focused on improving access to structured rehabilitation and inclusive sport opportunities for people of all abilities.
BEx&NutrSci, GrdDipExSci, DPT, ESSAM, APAM
Physiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist
ISA International Para-surfing Classifier
Founder |Director | Clinical Lead
Adaptive Rehabilitation & Recreation Centre Pty Ltd
Website: www.arrcrehab.com.au
Speaker 3: Angelique Young
Clinical Naturopath
Angelique is a Clinical Naturopath (BHSc) with a lifelong passion for integrative health and wellness. She incorporates biomedical insight with traditional healing practices to deliver compassionate, patient-centred care tailored to each individual, of all ages and stages of life.
Angelique provides comprehensive support across a broad spectrum of health concerns, including hormonal health and transitions, nervous system dysregulation, sleep disturbances, digestive and metabolic health, skin conditions, chronic and autoimmune presentations, and preventative care. Angelique offers evidence-based care through dietary and lifestyle guidance, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy or flower essence support. Through clear, practical strategies she supports clients to restore balance and thrive naturally.
Her approach is grounded, collaborative, and focused on empowering clients to take an active role in their health journey — as a mother of two who has balanced study, work and family across diverse roles, Angelique brings a lived understanding of the rhythms and pressures of a busy life. She is well-travelled, hardworking and deeply committed to creating a therapeutic space that feels both professional and emotionally safe. Clients often describe Angelique as calm, present and emotionally attuned. She meets people with compassion and clarity, responding to their needs with steadiness, insight, and care. Angelique is registered with the Naturopaths and Herbalists association of Australia (NHAA) and holds a Working with Children Blue Card.
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.
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.
Neuroinclusion Training for Workplaces
Practical. Strengths-based. Built for real teams.
DISTRACTD has developed a workplace training program to help organisations better understand, support, and retain neurodivergent talent.
Think of it like a first aid refresher, but for neuroinclusion.
Our facilitators come to you, in person or online, guiding your team through practical strategies like neuroinclusive onboarding, inclusive hiring practices, simple workplace accommodations, and policies that help different brains thrive.
Neurodivergent people are often innovators, problem-solvers, and big-picture thinkers. With the right support, those differences become strengths that lift whole teams.
Developed in collaboration with GPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists, this program is strengths-based, realistic, and grounded in lived experience.
Bookings open now
Help your team work better together.
Register your interest in neuroinclusion training for your workplace and we will get in touch with your organisation.
Register here
Try Body Doubling for Free
One of the themes running through tonight's event is that support doesn't always come from trying harder.
Sometimes support comes from changing the environment around us.
That's exactly what body doubling is.
DISTRACTD Body Doubling sessions are gentle online focus sessions where people work alongside one another in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
No coaching.
No judgement.
No expectation to be productive every minute.
Just a dedicated space to tackle the things you've been meaning to do, alongside others doing the same.
If you've ever found yourself saying:
"I know what I need to do... I just can't seem to start."
Body doubling might be worth experiencing for yourself.
As a thank you for being part of our community, we'd love to offer you a complimentary trial session.
Use the code BDTRIAL when booking.
Because sometimes the right environment changes everything.
Support DISTRACTD
DISTRACTD is community-led and independently run.
Every month we welcome around 50 people to a free evening of evidence-based ADHD education, practical strategies and connection.
While attendance is free, it costs around $26 for every person who walks through the door. Across the whole evening, that’s approximately $1,300 in direct costs.
When you include the incredible generosity of our speakers, volunteers and the many hours of donated planning and coordination, each DISTRACTD event represents over $6,000 worth of value.
We don’t want cost to be a barrier to understanding ADHD, so we rely on merchandise sales, donations and the generosity of our community to keep these events free.
If DISTRACTD has made a difference to you or someone you love, perhaps you’d consider covering the cost of one person’s place ($26),
$10 helps cover the printing of event resources, run sheets and volunteer materials.
$26 helps cover the cost of one person’s free attendance at a DISTRACTD event.
$50 helps cover refreshments and volunteer support, creating a welcoming space for our community.
$100 contributes towards professionally recording an event, helping us build a future library of trusted ADHD education.
$200 funds the professional recording of an entire DISTRACTD event or simply giving whatever feels right.
Every contribution helps someone else walk through the door.
Donate here → show some love here
Sponsors & Partners
We’re currently inviting a small number of values-aligned sponsors and partners to support DISTRACTD’s growth.
DISTRACTD is building a trusted, consistent space for neurodivergent adults on the Gold Coast — and this work is only possible through thoughtful partnerships.
Beyond financial sponsorship, we also warmly welcome donated skills, services, or equipment. Areas we currently need support in include accounting, printing, merch supply, podcast and recording equipment, tech hardware, catering, and event supplies.
Every contribution helps us keep these events free and accessible, while building a stronger, more connected neurodivergent community.
If you or your business would like to get involved, we’d love to chat.
Contact us at → hello@distractd.org
Resources and Recommendations from our Community.
PODCASTS
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
I second Morbid! - I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin
Emsolation (Podcast) - Em Rusciano
Morbid - Ash Kelley & Alaina Urquhart
Muse - essential neurofeedback
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.
WEBSITES & ONLINE RESOURCES
ADDitude Magazine
ADHD Mums (Australia): https://adhdmums.com.au/resources/
hellowable.com – ND dating
Neurokind insight - free resource
Neurokind insights - https://neurokindinsights.com.au/
LOCAL SUPPORTS & COMMUNITY
and Weekend study squad body doubling
OR Body-doubling with us at DISTRACTD
Watch Amandas Ted Talk here
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 hello@distractd.org— we’d love to hear from you!
A heartfelt thanks this month to our speakers Dr Kristy Bayliss, Dabiell Bennett 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. A special thank you to Rocinie, Amber, Jake, Charley and Simone.
Thank you to our sponsors for showing us the support we need to be able to make this happen each month and to all of the individuals who have so generously donated to us.
With appreciation,
Amanda & the DISTRACTD team xx
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