DISTRACTD OCTOBER Live
DISTRACTD OCTOBER 14 2026
care that fits
ADHD, identity and feeling safe enough to be yourself
What happens when the support you’re offered doesn’t quite fit who you are?
For many neurodivergent people, fitting in can become a skill.
We learn what is expected.
We watch other people.
We adjust how we communicate, suppress behaviours, rehearse conversations, hide difficulties and work incredibly hard to appear as though everything is fine.
Sometimes this is called masking.
And while masking can help people navigate environments that weren’t designed with them in mind, constantly adapting can come at a cost.
This month at DISTRACTD, we’re exploring ADHD through the lens of identity, masking and psychological safety.
Continue Reading about this months theme below
We’ll look at what it means to receive care that recognises the whole person — including gender, life stage, relationships, environment and individual experience.
We’ll explore gender-affirming care, late diagnosis and identity, the impact of masking, and how hormonal changes and different stages of life can influence the experience of ADHD.
Because good support shouldn’t require someone to become a different version of themselves before they’re able to access it.
Sometimes the question isn’t:
“How do we help this person fit?”
It’s:
“How can we make the support fit the person?”
A note from amanda
Care That Fits - When Different Doesn't Mean Wrong
I've been thinking lately about how often we expect people to fit into systems that work perfectly well for us, without considering whether those same systems work for somebody else.
Take our family calendar, for example.
I have a paper diary, a calendar on my computer and a digital calendar in our kitchen.
My husband has a paper calendar on the fridge.
And to him, that's the one that counts!
Every January, I'm fabulous at filling it in. Birthdays, anniversaries, all the important things. But as the year goes on, the everyday updates start dropping off.
Now, I might have something in my diary, on my phone, on the digital calendar, and I may have even texted or emailed my husband the details. But if it's not on that fridge calendar, apparently it doesn't exist!
And I understand that he needs to know what's happening. Absolutely.
But why is the solution always for me to maintain yet another system, rather than finding a way to share information that works for both of us?
It's a small domestic example, but it raises a much bigger question.
How often do we mistake somebody doing things differently for somebody doing things wrong?
Continue Reading below
And how often does a person's ADHD become the convenient explanation when something doesn't go to plan?
Having ADHD means there are things I genuinely struggle with, and I'm happy to take responsibility for those.
But it doesn't mean that every forgotten appointment, missed detail or family delay is automatically my fault.
Sometimes I feel that once you've earned the reputation of being the forgetful one or the disorganised one, those labels can follow you even when your behaviour changes.
And correcting those assumptions can leave you feeling defensive, so sometimes it's easier to say nothing.
But that doesn't make it fair.
This October at DISTRACTD, we're exploring identity, masking and psychological safety, and what it really means to offer care that fits the individual.
Because understanding neurodivergence isn't just about recognising someone's challenges.
It's about questioning our assumptions, respecting different ways of doing things and finding solutions that work for everyone.
My ADHD explains some of my mistakes. It doesn't explain everybody else's.
We are on Mentimeter again tonight. Here is the link to join
CHECK OUR FLOW ⬇️
6:00 pm – Welcome note from Amanda (15 mins)
6:15 pm - Speaker 1: Dr Micah Perez 20 mins
6:35 pm - Speaker 2: Amy-Ann Broomhall 15 mins
6:50 pm - Speaker 3: Monica Zidar 15 mins
7:10 pm – Chat about Merch, Donations and Upcoming Events – Amanda
7:20 pm – Break
7:30 pm – Panel Q&A with Dr Glen Craig
8:20 pm – Wrap Up, Mingle, Donation – Amanda
Thank speakers, promote November event, mingle, body double, donate
8:30 pm – Event Concludes and Bump Out Commences
8:45 pm – Bump Out Complete and Leave Site
Please follow and share our socials
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.
CHECK OUT OUR NEURO-FRIENDLY TEES
“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.
DISTRACTD Christmas Cards & Gift Tags
A little Christmas cheer with a whole lot of ADHD humour!
Our 12 Days of Christmas – ADHD Edition cards and Christmas gift tags celebrate the funny, chaotic and wonderfully relatable moments of life with an ADHD brain.
From impulse purchases to forgotten presents and wrapping disasters, these playful designs are guaranteed to bring a smile (and probably a few knowing laughs!).
Christmas Cards – $12 per twin pack
Christmas Gift Tags – $10 per pack of 9, with four different packs to choose from.
Perfect for gifting, giggling and spreading a little neurodivergent Christmas cheer.
Every purchase supports DISTRACTD, helping us continue providing free community events that bring people together through education, understanding and connection.
A little gift that gives back!
MEET YOUR SPEAKERS
Host
Amanda Gorman - DISTRACTD Founder
Check out more of Amanda ⬇️
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 Micah Perez
Occupational Therapist
Micah is a late identified neurodivergent female. She is Filipino-Australian, Christian, and has lived in Queensland since she was 3 years of age.
Read more about Dr Micah ⬇️
Micah has Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, proudly identifying as an ‘AuDHDer’. She has chronic ‘invisible’ health conditions, including migraine, pain, endometriosis, anxiety and depression, dysautonomia, mast cell activation syndrome, and thoracic outlet syndrome. She has experienced and recovered from recurrent burnout; and is recovering from a sensitised nervous system. Micah enjoys reading, music (e.g. singing, playing guitar, and dancing), cooking, baking, walking, hiking, swimming, stand up paddle boarding, and travelling. She is fluent in English and basic Tagalog. She is learning French and how to windsurf.
Micah’s ‘ikigai’ or ‘reason to get out of bed’ each day is to empower neurodivergent individuals aged 10 years and over and families who have functional disability related to neurodivergence with or without chronic health conditions (including migraine) to feel and function at their best every day, by providing neurodiversity affirming occupational therapy. She specialises in the neurotypes of Autism, ADHD, and Autism + ADHD based on her lived and clinical experience. Her core values which drive her work are freedom, function and empowerment; and her core philosophy, which defines her therapy approach is summarised in her practice motto of “neurodiversity is your superpower”.
Micah founded Neurodiverse Therapies in 2023 to provide effective, evidence-informed, short-term and tailored support for neurodivergent individuals who have not benefitted from traditional ‘one size fits all’, deficit and impairment focused therapies, which are based on outdated evidence and practices.
Speaker 2: Amy-Ann Broomhall
Registered Psychologist
Amy-Ann Broomhall is a psychologist with a interest in providing gender-affirming, neuroinclusive care across the lifespan.
Read more about Amy - Ann ⬇️
She supports children (6+), adolescents, and adults through autism, ADHD, and cognitive assessments, alongside therapeutic support that helps individuals better understand, accept, and work with their neurodivergent minds.
Amy-Ann works collaboratively and strengths-based, supporting people to build confidence, emotional regulation skills, and self-understanding while navigating life stressors, identity, and wellbeing.
Areas of interest
Neurodevelopmental assessment & support
Autism, ADHD, and cognitive assessments for children (6+), adolescents, and adults
Supporting individuals to understand and embrace their neurodivergent identity across the lifespan
Gender-affirming & LGBTQIA+ care
Providing safe, affirming support for gender-diverse and LGBTQIA+ individuals
Identity exploration within a neuroinclusive, respectful framework
Emotional wellbeing & mental health
Anxiety and depression / stress, overwhelm, and burnout
Mood fluctuations and emotional intensity
Safely exploring fear-based responses
Building skills, confidence & self-understanding
Strengths-based confidence and self-worth
Emotional regulation tools to support resilience, connection, and wellbeing
Understanding sensory needs, body image, and eating-related concerns
Additional support areas
Navigating substance use with a non-judgemental, harm-aware approach
Speaker 3: Monica Zidar
Registered Music Therapist
Monica Zidar is the Founder and Director of Queensland Paediatric Allied Health (QPAH), bringing over two decades of experience in paediatric and lifespan allied health.
Read more about Monica ⬇️
A leader in neurologic and clinical music therapy, Monica is deeply committed to integrated, person-centred care that empowers individuals and families to thrive.
Monica holds a Bachelor of Music (1998) and Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy (2000), both from the University of Queensland. She is a Registered Music Therapist, a clinical supervisor for the University of Melbourne, and co-Director of QPAH’s multidisciplinary team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, music therapists and allied health assistants.
Monica currently serves as President of the Australian Music Therapy Association and was a founding Director of the charity Everyone Deserves Music, advocating for access to music therapy for all. In 2014, she received the Richard Thompson Award for Excellence in Music Therapy in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the profession.
Monica is particularly fascinated by the neurology of music and the ways music therapy can influence brain function and support therapeutic outcomes. She is passionate about creativity, collaboration and inclusive, evidence-informed therapy that makes a meaningful and lasting impact.
Speaker 4: Dr Glen Crai
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
General Adult Psychiatrist
Dr Glen Craig is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who has been working in private practice on the Gold Coast since 2012.
Read more about Dr Glen ⬇️
Glen is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. He holds additional Advanced Training qualifications in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Glen has also previously held clinical titles of Associate Lecturer at Griffith University and the University of Queensland.
Glen specialises in the assessment, diagnosis and management of a range of psychiatric conditions in children and adolescents. Over the years, he has build a strong collaborative relationship with numerous health care professionals and schools on the Gold Coast.
Glen enjoys working with patients with a range of conditions, and is well known on the Gold Coast for his work in ADHD in both adults and children. Other areas of interest include Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety disorders, Depression, eating disorders, and problems of learning and education.
Glen is also trained as a General Adult Psychiatrist and is available to see adults up to forty years of age. His expertise in childhood conditions and development across the lifespan offers a unique perspective to the treatment of adult patients.
*Dr Craig is not accepting new patients at this time. Current patients will remain able to schedule appointments with Dr Craig.
THANKYOU TO OUR LOVELY VOLUNTEERS
BRONWYN DAY
CHARLEY DAY
AMBER GORMAN
JAKE GORMAN
KIRA JAECHEL
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.
NEUROINCLUSIVE 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.
Learn More about DISTRACTD coming to your workplace ⬇️
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
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.
Our ever growing list of podcasts, books, services and tools to explore
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
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 Micah Perez, Amy-Ann Broomhall, Monica Zidah and Dr Glen Craig 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, Bronwyn, Amber, Jake and Charley
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
UP NEXT – November
Dopamine, Decisions & December
When an ADHD brain meets the busiest time of the year
Black Friday.
Christmas shopping.
Parties.
Family.
School finishing.
Work deadlines.
Money.
Food.
Travel.
Presents.
And approximately 400 decisions before breakfast.
Welcome to the end of the year.
Wednesday 4 November HOTA Basement Theatre 6pm FREE
See you in November.
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