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MAY: Live presented by Print sauce


What does emotional regulation actually look like in everyday life?


From high energy and overwhelm to quiet shutdown, this session explores how regulation shows up differently across people — and how behaviours are often attempts to cope, not problems to fix.


Come curious.

Leave clearer.


A Note from Amanda


Welcome to our May event.

Tonight, we’re talking about regulation - how it shows up in real life.

In our bodies, in our reactions, and in the moments we don’t always have control over.


We’re exploring how relationships can become strained, and how often our intentions are misunderstood… even when we care deeply.

Thank you for being here.


I hope you’ve brought someone along from your world - someone who can begin to understand your brain a little more, and why we do the things we do.


Because there are times when I might appear upset, distant, or even a little grumpy…

when really, my brain is just full.


I might be overthinking, replaying a conversation, or trying to process something that hasn’t quite settled yet.

And then there are other times where I go the complete opposite way - full of energy, excited, all in.

Both are part of the same system.


That’s why it’s so important that the people around us understand how this works, and how we can be supported to regulate.

For me, I know that if I walk into Robina Town Centre, I need a clear plan.

Because after about 45 minutes, I’m ready to leave.


I stop being able to process what’s happening around me, and I need to get out.

That’s not about attitude.

That’s not about effort.

That’s regulation.


I’m so grateful to have you here in this community.

It’s a reminder that we’re not doing this alone.

Tonight’s event is proudly supported by Print Sauce, one of our newest sponsors.


They’re helping us bring these events to life each month, and support the rollout of our training programs into businesses. Because the goal is bigger than just tonight - it’s about helping people understand neurodivergence in the home, the workplace, the classroom, and the wider community.


And it’s because of your support — your presence, your donations, and our sponsors — that we get to keep doing this.


Thank you.


Amanda

Founder – DISTRACTD




We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.

Here is our link to join Event Schedule


6:00 pm – Guest Arrival & Official Welcome by Amanda Gorman, Founder of DISTRACTD + Mentimeter ( 15 mins )

6:15 pm – Speaker 1: Stephen Souter ( 20 mins )

6:35 pm – Speaker 2: Charmiane Owen ( 15 mins )

6:50 pm – Speaker 3: Daniell Bennett ( 15 mins )

7:10 pm - Chat about body doubling and donations ( 10 mins )

7:20 pm - Break ( 10 mins )

7:30 pm - Panel Q&A with Dr Christopher Stapelberg and speakers  ( 50 mins )

8:20 pm - Wrap up, Mingle ( 10 mins )

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





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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



Our DISTRACTD T-Shirts and new ADHD affirmation pencils are available tonight.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT** of unity and support with a DISTRACTD tee — just $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 : Stephen Souter

BPsychSc, BA(Hons), MMTCP, MAAPi, STAP


Stephen has a calm, easy-going and friendly nature that fosters a sense of safety and openness. He believes in the limitless potential for all individuals to grow, expand and connect and that each person has a unique role and path in life which is to be celebrated.


Stephen has extensive experience working with individuals and families of all ages in both the public and private sectors. He has specialised training in a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches including systemic family therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness based psychotherapy.



Stephen has a special interest in teaching mindfulness practices and the integration of presence and compassion as a path to healing and health. He has undertaken extensive training from some of the worlds leading experts in the area, including Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.


Stephen also has specialist expertise in working with neurodiversity and providing comprehensive and therapeutic neurocognitive assessments.


He is also the creator of the online platform Thrive with ADHD, which offers innovative, strength-based online support for individuals with ADHD.


Stephen is a board-approved psychology supervisor and offers professional supervision, training and workshops both in person and online.


In his spare time, Stephen can usually be found spending time on nature trails, reading, or of course having fun and going on adventures with his family.



Clinic Owner: Senior Psychologist & Meditation Teacher




Speaker 2: Charmiane Owen 

Occupational Therapist



Charmaine Owen is a passionate advocate for inclusion and a disruptor to the norm. She has been an Occupational Therapist for over 25 years, working with children and families across various settings, including health, disability, early childhood early intervention, social services, and statutory child protection. Owen's journey began in 2009 when she started a small private practice, which has since evolved into a comprehensive service offering OT supports to kids, teens, and families. Her leadership at Kids&Community reflects her commitment to crafting a service that is truly child-centered, family-focused, and community-minded. Owen's dedication to innovation and responsiveness to real needs has made her a respected figure in the field of occupational therapy.


Founding Owner + Director/Occupational Therapist




Speaker 3: Daniell Bennett

Senior Physiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist



Dr Daniell Bennett is a physiotherapist and accredited exercise physiologist with a clinical focus on complex pain, neurological conditions, brain injury, neurodivergence, and performance rehabilitation.


He is the founder of Adaptive Rehabilitation & Recreation Centre (ARRC) and Tidal Health, where he works alongside a multidisciplinary team integrating rehabilitation, exercise science, and adaptive sport.


Dan has contributed to adaptive sport development as an International Classifier for the Para Surfing Association and collaborates with universities and para-sport organisations to support participation and performance pathways for athletes with disability.


His clinical approach combines rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and movement-based therapy to support individuals recovering from injury, managing long-term conditions, or working toward higher levels of physical performance.


Through ARRC, Dan is focused on improving access to structured rehabilitation and inclusive sport opportunities for people of all abilities.


BEx&NutrSci, GrdDipExSci, DPT, ESSAM, APAM

Physiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist

ISA International Para-surfing Classifier

Founder |Director | Clinical Lead

Adaptive Rehabilitation & Recreation Centre Pty Ltd



Speaker 4: 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.




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



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.


Local wins from the survey:

body-doubling with friends

library as a low-stim workspace

journaling groups

weekly dopamine-ritual routines



ND-FRIENDLY TOYS BY SENSORY NEED + AGE


MOVEMENT / GROSS MOTOR


Ages 1–3

Indoor Sensory Swing – calming pressure + movement

Stapelstein Elements – stacking, stepping, wobbling

Jungle Jumparoo – safe jumping and vestibular input

Nugget Play Couch / Chunk – climb, jump, crash-pad fun


Ages 3–6

Bolder Play Stair Slide – proprioceptive + vestibular input

Tree Frog Play Rock Wall & Monkey Bars – climbing, strength, coordination

BT Toys Balance Beam – balance + core stability

Nex Playground – movement games via screen interaction


Ages 6–10+

Swelly Water Scooter – underwater resistance + movement

Spinning Chair – vestibular input

Jungle Jumparoo (still great for older kids)

Rock Wall / Monkey Bars (scaled up for older kids)



CREATIVE / IMAGINATIVE PLAY


Ages 1–3

Sarah’s Silks – open-ended, soothing sensory play


Ages 3–6

Connetix Magnetic Tiles

MagnaTiles

SuperSpace Magnetic Tiles – larger builds, forts

Nugget Play Couch – pretend play setups


Ages 6–10+

Rail Cubes – creative track building

Foamnasium FoamMan – imaginative sculptural play



FINE MOTOR / HAND–EYE COORDINATION


Ages 1–3

Chompsaw Power Tool – pretend tool with hand activation

Yoto Player – button pressing is simple + sensory reward


Ages 3–6

AirToobz – connecting tubes + cause & effect

Magnetic Tiles (all brands) – small grip work


Ages 6–10+

Rail Cubes – precise building

Infini Book Reader – page-turning + interactive literacy tasks



SENSORY-SEEKING / REGULATION TOOLS


Ages 1–3

Stapelstein Stones – jumping, rocking

Indoor Swing – deep pressure + vestibular


Ages 3–6

Foamnasium Foam Pit – crash pad + heavy work

Nugget Chunk – squish + pressure

Spinning Chair – safe spinning to regulate


Ages 6–10+

Rail Cubes – visually regulating + problem-solving

Swelly Water Scooter – deep pressure underwater

Nex Playground Games – structured movement



STEM / COGNITIVE + PROBLEM SOLVING


Ages 3–6

Magnetic Tiles (all types)

AirToobz – airflow experiments


Ages 6–10+

Miko 3 AI Robot – coding, logic

Rail Cubes – engineering-style construction

Infini Book Reader – interactive literacy



CALM CORNER / REGULATION SPACE SETUP


Great for all ages — mix & match:


Nugget Couch

Stapelstein Stones

Sensory Swing

Foamnasium Pit

Sarah’s Silks (soft, soothing)

Yoto Player (stories for grounding)



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


EVENTS












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, Stephen Souter, Charmaine Owen and Daniell Bennett 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.

Thankyou to our sponsors for showing us the support we need to be able to make this happen eachmonth 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 : June 3


Top-Down, Bottom-Up… and everything in between.


We’re diving into how change actually happens — from therapy strategies and brain-based approaches, to body regulation, rhythm, and your very own “internal pharmacy.”


Because sometimes it’s not about thinking differently…it’s about starting somewhere completely different.


We’ll unpack what works, when it works, and why — including a clear, no-hype look at medication and emerging treatments.


If you’ve ever wondered why some things click… and others just don’t —this is the missing piece.


Come curious.

Leave clearer.





 
 
 

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