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January 29th Home of the Arts

Writer's picture: Amanda GormanAmanda Gorman


Welcome to a Brand New Year with DISTRACTD!

Happy New Year to all of you! I heard such good things about our December event. And thanks to Hannah for holding the fort. I hope you all survived the Christmas and New Year period.

Let’s be real—ADHD can hit hard during the Christmas holidays. From planning and making shopping lists to navigating shopping centres ( which stress me out at the best of times), Juggling events because its like eveyone you know whats to catch up before Christmas and dont forget the cleaning of every single surface of your home ready for houseguests to arrive. Add kids into the mix, and suddenly you’re not only coordinating your own chaos but trying to manage them too.

Our December trip to Japan was nothing short of magical. Tokyo was so fun, We got to go to " The happiest place on earth " Disneyland as well as navigate the underground system and expore the city. I couldnt help but notice the quirky fashion and general style fitting so well with my ADHD. I also found the most incredible art shop called Sekaido in Shinjuku that had me in heaven! 5 levels of goodness. The seamless organization of everything in Japan actually helped my ADHD. Customs was smooth and respectful, and while the hustle and bustle of the trains sometimes pushed me into fight-or-flight mode it actually activated my ADHD brain bringing clarity and calmness I rarely feel. Japan is a place I could easily spend so much more time exploring—it feels like we hardly scratched the surface.

The snow in the north at Niseko brought its own kinds of joy and challenges. As someone with ADHD, the sensory overload of so many layers of clothes, gloves, and gear was tough to navigate. Everything in the snow requires so many steps, and as someone used to quick, simple no fuss ways , it often felt overwhelming. But having not seen snow like that before I was in a world of childlike excitment at it. Another special moment for me was getting a tattoo over there—a bumblebee that I drew and designed myself. For me, the bumblebee is a powerful ADHD symbol. Aerodynamically, it shouldn’t be able to fly, yet it does anyway. Just like those of us with ADHD, we navigate a world not designed for us and still manage to thrive.

After Japan, we shifted gears with an Australian road trip through Dubbo, Goondiwindi, Tenterfield, and other outback towns in Queensland and New South Wales. As a self-confessed bird nerd, the road trip was a dream—I ticked off a few first-time sightings of birds and fell in love with all the wildlife. Dubbo Zoo was a highlight for me as an animal lover, We stayed onsite and got to wake up to the aniamls. Its so magic.

Road tripping with ADHD has its own quirks, but my husband’s knack for planning and understanding what might trip me up made it an amazing experience. We build in extra time for mornings, ensure I have my own space, and never hit the road without great music playing in the car. It’s these thoughtful details that make traveling as a family so enjoyable.

After our much needed break we’re thrilled to return to DISTRACTD refreshed and excited about the year ahead.

Here’s to embracing all the chaos, creativity, and connection that 2025 has to offer us . We cant wait to share it all with you our lovely distractd community.



With love, Amanda


DISTRACTD Events: Free, Accessible, and Community-Focused

At DISTRACTD, we are deeply committed to keeping our regular monthly events free and accessible for everyone. We recognize the financial challenges faced by many in the ADHD community, with treatments, therapies, and resources often being costly. Our goal is to ensure that these events remain a welcoming space for all, without financial barriers.

Throughout the year, we’ll also introduce ticketed events that will dive deeper into specific topics, such as Relationships and ADHD, Women with ADHD, and Understanding ADHD for Medical Professionals and Educators. These ticketed events will help fund our mission while offering focused learning opportunities for those who want to explore certain areas in depth.

To support the ongoing operation and growth of DISTRACTD, we’re introducing an optional donation system at our free events. If you can, a small contribution—like a gold coin donation or a digital donation via our self-operated Square system—will help us continue our work. However, if donating isn’t affordable for you, please know you are always welcome to attend for free.

Your contributions will help us:

  • Upgrade our tools like Mentimeter for interactive audience engagement.

  • Enhance our social media presence to reach more people.

  • Invest time in securing sponsorships to keep these events thriving.

  • Roll out our workplace training programs to promote ADHD inclusivity.

Every bit helps us grow and make a greater impact, and we are immensely grateful for your support. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more connected, and informed ADHD community.

You donate here



We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.

You can join by clicking here or by the QR code below








Tonights schedule

6:00pm: Guest Arrival & Amanda Gorman Founder of DISTRACTD to do official intro and welcome.

6:10 pm : Speaker 1 : Daniell Bennett

6:30 pm : Speaker 2 : Chelsea Wiley

6:50 pm : Video and Mentimeter

7:00 pm : 15 min break

7:15 pm : Q & A begins

8:30 pm : Event officially concludes






T Shirts and Merch


Our T shirts and new pencils are on sale tonight .

JOIN THE MOVEMENT of Unity and support with our DISTRACTD T's. They are $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, lets 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 - founder of DISTRACTD

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

Daniell Bennett Founder of Tidal Health and ARRC


Meet Dan, founder of Tidal Health, The Adaptive Rehabilitation & Recreation Centre and a surfer whose passion for helping people extends far beyond the waves. As an International Classifier for the Para Surfing Association, Dan combines his love for surfing with his commitment to making a difference in people's lives.

At just 19 years old, Dan observed a troubling trend across various demographics—an increase in injuries due to insufficient guidance in gym settings. Recognizing that this issue affected individuals of all ages and backgrounds, he took proactive steps by launching a community-focused group class, which quickly gained popularity. However, as participants faced rising gym fees, many returned to independent workouts, leading to a noticeable spike in injuries. This experience fuelled Dan's commitment to creating an approach to physiotherapy and exercise physiology that prioritizes quality care for all individuals, regardless of their funding situation. He believes that a simple lack of adequate support has been identified in diverse patient populations, impacting conditions ranging from neurological to respiratory.

Dan's dedication to addressing these challenges led him to pursue extensive education, earning a Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences from the University of Queensland, a Graduate Diploma of Exercise Science from Griffith University, and a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Bond University.

As a physiotherapist and exercise physiologist, Dan's expertise lies in the intricate connection between the brain and body. He specializes in various areas, including mental health, neurological and brain injuries, neurodevelopment disorders, psychiatric disorders, concussion, vestibular disorders, chronic pain, and general musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.

Dan identified a lack of evidence supporting functional capacity assessments and a concerning trend in rising functional deficits in the neurodivergent population. Unable to ignore the obvious negative physical impact that conditions of neurodiversity have on this population, he sought out research and leaders in the space to collaboratively develop and implement a unique outcome measure that can assist in the diagnostic process alongside current practitioners who specialize in this field.

Driven by a passion for holistic care and a desire to bridge healthcare gaps, Dan is dedicated to providing exceptional support and tailored treatments at Tidal Health. With his extensive knowledge and unwavering commitment to patient well-being, Dan continues to make a meaningful impact on everyone he works with.

 

 

Speaker 2

Chelsea Wiley Psychologist and Author



Chelsea Luker


 Chelsea is an Autistic/ADHDer psychologist, author, and parent of two neurodivergent children. With a passion for neurodiversity-affirming practice, Chelsea draws on both her professional and lived experience to support Neurodivergent individuals and their families. Through her work at Connect Us Psychology, she empowers parents, educators, and therapists to foster understanding, self-worth, and connection in Neurodivergent communities. Chelsea is also the author of Square Me, Round World, a collection of stories that highlight the experiences of growing up feeling different, and she delivers impactful talks, training, and resources designed to create a more inclusive and affirming world.


@connectuspsychology (FB and IG)

Address: 3/99 Tamar St, Ballina NSW 2478

Availability: assessments from June 2025, group/short term therapy ONLY


Spill the ADHD Tea! ☕️


Want to be featured in our upcoming monthly program? We’d love to spotlight our amazing ADHD community! Share your story in “The ADHD Minute”: a quick profile where you tell us about your quirks, passions, and what keeps you motivated (or hilariously distracted!). It’s your chance to spill the ADHD tea and let others see a bit of the real, relatable you Interested? Let us know, and let’s show off the diverse and dynamic voices of our community! Email "Im Keen to spill the tea" to distractdhq@gmail.com now and we will be in touch with you for our future ADHD minutes.





Amanda Gorman ( for those of you who don't know me yet )



The ADHD Minute Questions

Tell us a little about yourself in one sentence.

I’m Amanda, Visual Artist and founder of DISTRACTD—an endlessly creative and positive soul with an adventurous spirit, though I approach life’s thrills in a scaredy-cat kind of way!

What’s one quirk you have that only someone with ADHD would understand?

I’ll drive around with the petrol light on, pressing the button to see how far I can push it—because I’m always running late, and stopping for fuel just isn’t in my ‘now’ time!

What’s something you’re deeply passionate about?

Beyond ADHD awareness and education, I have a deep love for animals—they bring me so much joy and comfort. I’m also incredibly passionate about music; it’s the soundtrack to my life. Most days, I feel like a walking musical—everything in my head has a song to it!

What’s your go-to strategy for staying motivated?

I like to make it fun or turn it into a game! Whether it’s challenging myself to finish a task before the kettle boils or racing the clock, turning mundane things into playful challenges keeps me moving. What’s your favourite distraction?

Drawing just for fun—not for work or a project, but simply to enjoy creating while keeping my hands busy, like when I’m watching a movie or something.

Share a moment that captures the humor in living with ADHD.

One of the funniest parts of having ADHD is how easily I make friends—even with strangers. Once, years ago during a movie night, the house phone rang. I ended up chatting with someone overseas looking for someone who didn’t even live at our house. After about 5 minuteds, I returned to my husband, who asked who it was. I casually said, ‘Oh, it was a wrong number.’ Now, my family teases me every time I make a new friend at the grocery store or an outback info centre, saying, ‘So, when are they coming to stay?’

What does being part of the ADHD community mean to you?

It’s about connection, understanding, and feeling truly accepted for all the quirks and challenges. Knowing I’m not alone has been wonderful—it’s like finding a tribe that just gets me.

What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with ADHD?

Educate yourself about ADHD so you can advocate for yourself—and for those around you, since it’s often genetic. Understanding it is the first step to thriving.

How does ADHD help you see the world differently?

ADHD makes me notice and feel things others might miss—little cues and details. It can be exhausting, but it’s also amazing to have that insight. That said, I do sometimes see the world through rose-colored glasses a little too much!

Anything else you’d like to share with the community?

You are all incredible, and your unique brains are not broken. Finding friends who get us here at DISTRACTD has been so important.

"With ADHD, the challenge isn’t knowing what to do—it’s having the support and systems to do it well." – Unknown

Thank you for supporting me! 💛



WORKPLACE NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING DID YOU SAY???


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!

Recommended reading / Viewing / Listening:


Additude Mag Podcast Library ( so many amazing podcasts )


A quick look at the 10 best ADHD books


Amandas TEDx Talk





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 Daniell and Chelsea 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 ..



Partner with Us!


We’re always looking to build meaningful partnerships with those who want to support our vibrant ADHD community. Interested in becoming a sponsor? We have a variety of sponsorship packages available to help amplify your brand while making a positive impact. Let’s work together to create something amazing! Reach out to us to learn more. distractdhq@gmail.com



Our next event will be on Wednesday ,5th March when we we’ll return to our regular schedule on the first Wednesday of each month. Keep an eye on our socials for updates on speakers and event details—we can’t wait to see you there!







Ticket link to DISTRACTD for next month will be direct with HOTA at this link below.












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