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May 7 2025 Home of the Arts


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Welcome to DISTRACTD – May Edition

Hey friends,

It feels so good to be back. After the rocky start to the year (shoutout to Alfred for the chaos), this past month has felt like the first proper breath.

I’m still not totally back on track – my back’s been giving me a hard time ( thanks Scoliosis) , so exercise is still on pause. But I have been getting to bed earlier about four nights out of seven, which feels like a small miracle. Sugar and alcohol are in check (mostly), and I’ve started chipping away at the mountain of life admin that’s been haunting me since… well, forever. Still a way to go, but we’re moving.

It’s not perfect – but it’s progress. And honestly, that’s enough.


A Little Love Note to You

If there’s one thing this community reminds me of over and over again, it’s resilience.You have this beautiful, stubborn ability to keep showing up – to get back up after setbacks, start again, and try one more time.

And maybe even more powerful than that – you have the ability to connect.Deeply. Honestly. Instantly.

You feel things deeply. You care hard. You’re often the one who notices when someone’s not okay, who reaches out, who remembers the small things.

Please don’t ever lose that. Don’t water yourself down.Don’t apologise for being intense, emotional, passionate, or ‘too much.’

You’re not too much. You’re just right – for the people who see you clearly.

"You will be too much for some people. Those aren’t your people."– Glennon Doyle

Keep being you. Keep getting back up. And know that this space will always have room for your whole self.

See you next month,Amanda x



You might notice parts of this blog or program using a slightly bolded first-half of words style. This is called Bionic Reading – a technique that helps the brain read faster and retain more by guiding your eyes through key parts of the word.

We’re trying it out to help support different types of brains and reading styles – especially those with ADHD, dyslexia, or who just like a little help focusing. Let us know if it helps!

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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 can donate here

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We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.



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Tonights schedule

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

6:10 pm : Speaker 1 : Charmaine Owen Kids + Community

6:25 pm : Speaker 2 : Stephen Souter Mindful Families

6:40 pm : Speaker 3: Dr Glen Craig The Southport Psychiatry & Psychology Clinic .

7:00 pm : 15 min break

7:15 pm : Q & A begins

8:30 pm : Event officially concludes



Please follow and share our socials

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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


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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


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Meet your speakers:



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Host

Amanda Gorman - DISTRACTD Founder


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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

Charmaine Owen Kids and Community


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Occupational Therapist & Founder of Kids & Community


Charmaine Owen is the Founding Director of Kids&Community, a multi-site occupational therapy practice with hubs in Helensvale, Burleigh and Murwillumbah. A qualified Occupational Therapist since 1995, Charmaine has worked with children and families across health, disability, early intervention, and child protection sectors in both metro and remote communities. Kids&Community is known for its child-led, family-focused, community-minded approach – and even includes a café as part of its inclusive space!



 

Speaker 2

Stephen Souter

Mindful Families


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Psychologist & Creator of Thrive with ADHD

Stephen Souter is a psychologist and the creative force behind Thrive with ADHD, a strengths-based, neurodivergent-affirming platform designed to empower people with ADHD through practical tools and online learning. With over 15 years’ experience in psychology, Stephen blends current research with real-world strategies to support individuals and families. He is also the co-founder of Mindful Families Australia, a clinical practice based on the Gold Coast.


Mindful Families Australia: https://www.mindfulfamilies.com.au


Speaker 3

Dr Glen Craig

Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist


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Dr Glen Craig is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who has been working in private practice on the Gold Coast since 2012. He holds additional advanced qualifications in child psychiatry and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Glen specialises in the diagnosis and management of ADHD, Autism, anxiety, and learning challenges, and is known for his thoughtful, collaborative approach with families, schools, and other professionals.


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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.


WORKPLACE NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING DID YOU SAY???

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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!

let us know at distractdhq@gmail.com if you are keen for us to come visit your workplace.


Recommended reading / Viewing / Listening:


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Additude Mag Podcast Library ( so many amazing podcasts )


Audience Recommendations from DISTRACTD

A curated list of ADHD-friendly podcasts, books, creators, and tools – all recommended by our wonderful community.

Podcasts

Books

  • How to Keep House While Drowning – KC Davis

  • The Year I Met My Brain – Matilda Boseley

  • Scattered Minds – Dr. Gabor Maté


Top 10 ADHD Books

  1. Driven to Distraction – Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.

  2. A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD – Sari Solden & Michelle Frank

  3. Thriving with Adult ADHD – Phil Boissiere

  4. Order from Chaos – Jaclyn Paul

  5. What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew – Dr. Sharon Saline

  6. The ADHD Effect on Marriage – Melissa Orlov

  7. Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD – Susan C. Pinsky

  8. ADHD 2.0 – Dr. Edward Hallowell & Dr. John Ratey

  9. Smart but Scattered Teens – Richard Guare et al.

  10. Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids – Kelli Miller LCSW


Apps & Tools

  • Finch App – Daily motivation + self-care

  • Dubbi App – Created by @adhd_love_ & @tarah.and.barry

  • Focused Coaching – Kristen Carder


Creators & Socials


Other Mentions


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A quick look at the 10 best ADHD books

Amanda Gorman – TEDx Speaker

DISTRACTD founder Amanda Gorman took to the TEDx stage to share her powerful perspective on ADHD – exploring what it means to live with ADHD beyond the clichés and why we don’t need to turn our challenges into superpowers to be worthy.

It’s honest, relatable, and a must-watch for anyone wanting to better understand ADHD from the inside out.


If it resonates, We'd love for you to:

🟥 Watch it

🟧 Share it with someone who needs to hear it

🟨 Leave a comment or send us a message with your thoughts distractdhq@gmail.com

Let’s start changing the conversation around ADHD – one honest story at a time.

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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 Charmaine, Stephen and Glen 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, Hannah & the DISTRACTD team xx



Howdy Partner ..

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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 June 4 Keep an eye on our socials for updates on speakers and event details—we can’t wait to see you there!






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







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