DISTRACTD SEPTEMBER Live
Updated: Sep 1
TOO MUCH, ALL AT ONCE
Understanding sensory overload and ADHD
“Why can I cope with this one day and absolutely not the next?”
The music.
The conversation at the next table.
Cutlery hitting plates.
The coffee machine.
Someone’s perfume.
The lights.
The person talking to you while you’re trying to process everything else happening around you.
Where do I start?
Continue reading ⬇️
Sometimes the world just feels like too much, all at once.
Sensory processing differences can be part of the ADHD experience, but they don’t look the same for everyone.
Some people notice sounds, lights, smells, textures or movement intensely. Others may seek out sensory input or need stronger input before they notice it at all.
And our capacity isn’t necessarily the same every day.
Sleep, stress, emotional load, competing demands and what’s already happened during the day can all influence how much we have left in the tank.
That’s why the tiny sound that didn’t bother you yesterday can sometimes be the thing that sends you over the edge today.
This month at DISTRACTD, we’re exploring what happens when our brains and bodies are taking in more than they can comfortably manage.
We’ll look at sensory processing and ADHD, overload and shutdown, the relationship between sensory experiences, anxiety and emotional regulation, and practical ways we can reduce the load around us.
Because understanding sensory overload isn’t about eliminating every uncomfortable sensation from our lives.
It’s about recognising what’s happening earlier, understanding our own patterns and finding ways to work with our nervous system rather than constantly pushing through.
Come curious.
And maybe leave understanding why that one tiny noise drives you absolutely nuts.
A Note from Amanda
A Note from Amanda
Welcome to Too Much, All at Once.
This month’s topic is one I know very well.
There are certain noises that can send me completely over the edge.
More from Amanda below
Continue Reading ⬇️
Leaf blowers. Balls bouncing. A clicking fan. A rattling window. The range hood.
Dogs barking. Kids screaming. That relentless seatbelt warning when I’ve put my bag on the passenger seat.
And don’t get me started on trying to have a phone conversation when there’s noise happening in the background.
But what I find really interesting is that sometimes I can cope with these things - and sometimes I absolutely cannot.
There are days when I can walk into a busy environment and manage it perfectly well.
Then there are days when one additional sound feels like the final straw.
For a long time, I think many of us have interpreted those reactions as being irritable, difficult, anxious or simply needing to “cope better.”
Tonight I want us to get curious about what’s actually happening.
Why does our capacity change?
What happens when sensory input starts accumulating?
What’s the difference between sensory overload, emotional dysregulation and anxiety?
And perhaps most importantly - what can we actually do when we recognise it happening?
My hope is that tonight gives you language for experiences you may have struggled to explain before.
And maybe a little more permission to stop pushing through absolutely everything.
Thank you for being here.
Amanda Gorman
Founder | DISTRACTD
We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.
Here is our link to join the Event Schedule
CHECK OUR FLOW ⬇️
6:00 pm – Welcome note from Amanda (15 mins)
6:15 pm – Speaker 1: Dr Glen Craig (15 mins)
6:30 pm – Speaker 2: Dr Chris Stapelberg (20 mins)
6:50 pm – Speaker 3: Monica Hassall (20 mins)
7:10 pm – Chat about Merch, Donations and Upcoming Events – Amanda
7:15 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 October 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.
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 2: Dr Chris Stapelberg
Psychiatrist
Read more about Dr Chris ⬇️
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: Monica HASSAN
BN AGC Director / ADHD & EF coach
Monica is a ADHD and EF Coach in Brisbane Australia. Initially with a Nursing, then corporate medical sales background, my coaching journey started in 2012
Read more about Monica ⬇️
When Jonathan and I created “Connect ADHD Coaching” I have presented at the International Conference 2018 and 2019 , 2020 and 2021, ad at the Australian ADHD Conference in 2019 and 2022.
I have been published in ADDitude magazine and twice in ATTENTION magazine. I love connecting with parents of kids with ADHD and I run a Live ADHD Parenting program as well as working with adults. I also work with High School students with neurodivergency – ADHD and ASD
My goal is to curate knowledge to work closely with my clients incorporating information and practices from a variety of sources: current Neuroscience, Traditional Wisdoms, Eastern Philosophies, Mindfulness and Coaching Principles.
Meet Our Lovely Volunteers.
Kira Jaechel
Meet Kira ⬇️
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.
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 Glen Craig, Dr Chris Stapelberg and Monica Hassall 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, Kira, 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 – OCTOBER 14
CARE THAT FITS
What happens when the support you’re offered doesn’t quite fit who you are?
Next month we’re exploring identity, masking and psychological safety - and why feeling understood can matter just as much as the strategies we’re given.
We’ll look at what happens when people spend years adapting themselves to fit expectations, and how care, relationships and environments can work better when they start with the individual.
Wednesday 14 October HOTA Basement Theatre 6pm FREE
See you in October.
Comments