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DISTRACTD JUNE Live


Top-Down, Bottom-Up… and Everything In Between


From therapy and cognitive understanding through to nervous systems, biology, sensory experiences and environment, this month we’re exploring the many different ways humans access regulation, support and change.


Why do some approaches work brilliantly for one person but not another?


Why can insight help sometimes, while other times the body seems to respond before the brain can make sense of it?


Come curious.

Leave clearer.


A Note from Amanda


Welcome to our June event.


Tonight we're talking about something I've been thinking about a lot lately.


The idea that sometimes we spend so much time trying to think our way through a problem that we forget we're not just brains walking around. We're whole systems.


Thoughts.

Bodies.

Nervous systems.

Environments.

Relationships.


All interacting with each other all day, every day.


One of the things I've learned since my ADHD diagnosis is that understanding something and experiencing something are not always the same thing.


I can know exactly why I'm overwhelmed.

I can explain it.

And yet my body might still be sitting there with clenched shoulders, a racing mind, and absolutely no capacity left in the tank.


That's not failure.

That's being human.


It's why I love that this month's event brings together such different perspectives.


A psychiatrist.

A psychologist.

A sound and breath facilitator.


Not because one approach is right and the others are wrong.

But because humans are more complicated than that.


Sometimes understanding helps.

Sometimes medication helps.

Sometimes movement helps.

Sometimes changing the environment helps.

Sometimes we need to stop trying to push through and start paying attention to what our body is already telling us.


That's what tonight is really about.


Not choosing sides.

Not finding the one perfect answer.


But becoming a little more curious about how we work.


Thank you for being here.


Thank you for supporting this community.


And thank you for continuing to show up for yourselves and for each other.


Thank you.


Amanda

Founder – DISTRACTD




We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.

Here is our link to join Event Schedule


6:00 pm – Welcome to country video ( 3 mins )

6:03 pm – Speaker 1: Grounding Experience with Laura Garcia ( 7 mins )

6:10 pm – Welcome note with Amanda ( 10 mins )

6:20 pm – Speaker 2: Dr Chris Stapelberg - Understanding ( 20 mins )

6:40 pm – Speaker 3: Kelly Gall - Insight ( 15 mins )

7:00 pm – Break ( 10 mins )

7:15 pm – Speaker 1: Laura Garcia - Experience ( 12 mins )

7:30 pm – Panel Q&A with all speakers  ( 45 mins )

8:15 pm – Lucky Door Prize, Wrap up, Mingle ( 10 mins )

8:30 pm - Event concludes and bump out commences 3





Please follow and share our socials



Be updated with our 2026 live events

this link will put the dates into your calender




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 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 : Laura Garcia

Sound Medicine Woman | Hibiscus Sound


Laura Garcia from Hibiscus Sounds is a sound and breath facilitator passionate about helping people explore regulation, relaxation and self-awareness through sound, rhythm and sensory experiences.


Using sound-based practices and guided breathwork, Laura creates calming environments that support nervous system awareness, grounding and reflection. Her work focuses on helping individuals reconnect with themselves through sensory experiences that encourage rest, presence and emotional regulation.



Alongside individual and group sessions, Laura facilitates workshops including sound experiences, breathwork, drum circles and creative practices such as drum and rattle making.


Her approach combines mindfulness, creativity and connection, inviting participants to explore how sound, rhythm and environment can influence the way we feel, respond and regulate.



Speaker 2: DR Chris Stapelberg

Psychiatrist


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.





Speaker 3: Kelly Gall 

Psychologist

Kelly Gall is a Clinical and Health Psychologist and co-owner of a busy psychology practice on the Gold Coast. She works with people from all walks of life, with a special interest in PTSD, military and veteran mental health, eating disorders, anxiety, and neurodivergent experiences — especially ADHD and autism.


Known for her down-to-earth approach, Kelly is passionate about helping people understand their minds and build lives that truly fit them. Her clinic has become well-respected for providing high-quality assessments and therapy for neurodivergent kids and adults.


She loves connecting with others who are learning more about their neurodivergent identities and is dedicated to making the process feel empowering, validating, and even a little bit fun.


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.


Your support helps cover venue costs , filming and production, accessibility needs, and paying our growing team fairly so we can keep showing up each month.


If you value these events and want to see them continue, please consider making a donation.


Donate to help keep DISTRACTD running → 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




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



LOCAL SUPPORTS & COMMUNITY


Body-doubling with us at DISTRACTD

Library as a low-stimulation workspace

Journaling groups

DISTRACTD Events, Workshops & Community


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 Dr Chris Stapelberg, Laura Garcia and Kelly Gall 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 thankyou to Rocinie, Amber, Jake, Charley and Simone.

Thankyou 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



Grab a Season Pass


Want to make life easy?


Our free Season Pass covers the whole year in one quick step.

No monthly bookings. No forgetting. No last-minute scrambling.

Just sign up once and come along whenever you can.

It’s the simplest way to stay connected and lock in every DISTRACTD event for 2026.

Get your


Season Pass → here



Casual tickets

Prefer to book month by month?

Individual tickets are now live on the HOTA website too.


Up next month : JuLy 1


What Happens When Support Disappears?

ADHD Across Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood


A child melts down.

A teenager shuts down.

An adult burns out.


Different ages. Different behaviours. Often the same underlying challenge.


Join us as we explore how regulation develops across the lifespan, why support matters more than we think, and what happens when the people, environments and systems we rely on are no longer there.


From co-regulation and school supports to teenage independence, adult relationships, hormones and ageing, we'll unpack how ADHD changes through life—and why the need for support never truly disappears.


Wednesday 1 July | HOTA

Free Community Event


Come curious.

Leave clearer.





 
 
 

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