November LIVE

How to Stay on Track (Even When Your Brain Won’t)

A Note from Amanda

I’m so grateful to be back at HOTA Basement this month — it’s such a joy to have our beloved Basement space open again. It really does feel like home for our DISTRACTD community.

It’s been a full month since we last caught up, and what a month it’s been.

On a personal note, my husband and I celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary with a beautiful trip to Hayman Island. It was the perfect mix of nature and luxe — a nice change from our usual camping adventures, where I’m usually dreaming of air conditioning and a dinner I didn’t have to cook!

Back home, things at DISTRACTD have been just as full — and just as exciting.

We’ve welcomed new volunteers into the team (I’ll introduce them properly a little later in the program), and I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have them here. It’s such a gift to grow this space with people who share the same heart for it.

Behind the scenes, I’ve been deep in grant applications to help us deliver more programs next year — from workplace training and teacher sessions to student workshops and creative projects that are starting to take shape. I’ll keep you posted as the good news rolls in!

It’s hard to believe there’s only one more DISTRACTD event left this year.

We’re finishing 2025 with a relaxed Christmas Mingle Titled "Oh Look ... Christmas — The Neurodivergent edition in collaboration with ARRC. It will be the 21st December 10-2pm . It’ll be a fun, easy, come-as-you-are kind of day to celebrate this amazing community and everything we’ve built together. There will be A christmas photo station, Speed Mingle fun , BBQ Snags, & Live Music. Registration details here .

As always, thank you for being here — for showing up, for laughing, for sharing, and for helping us keep the lights onand the love flowing.

Your presence really does make DISTRACTD what it is.

Big love,

Amanda Gorman

Founder – DISTRACTD

We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.

Here is our link to join.

November Event Schedule

6:00 pm – Guest Arrival & Official Welcome by Amanda Gorman, Founder of DISTRACTD

6:10 pm – Speaker 1: Dr Chris Wever

6:30 pm – Speaker 2: Kelly Gall

6:45 pm – Speaker 3: Dr Chris Stapelberg

7:00 pm – 15 min Break

7:15 pm – Panel Q&A

8:15 pm – Closing Remarks and mingle

8:30 pm – Event Concludes

Please follow and share our socials

T-Shirts & Merch

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 thatyou 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

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 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.

https://www.instagram.com/amandagormanartist/

Speaker 1

Dr Chris Wever

Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatrist

Dr Chris Wever is a Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience supporting young people with mental health challenges.

A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, he completed advanced training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and founded several pioneering programs, including the OCD and School Refusal Programs at Rivendell in Sydney.

Chris has authored three children’s books — The Secret Problem, The School Wobblies, and Full of Beans — helping children understand and manage their mental health. He now practices on the Gold Coast, supporting children, teens, and families across a broad range of psychiatric issues.

https://www.tsppc.com.au

0420 211 4700420 211 4700420 211 47040 211

Speaker 2

Kelly Gall

Clinical & Health Psychologist

Kelly Gall is a Clinical and Health Psychologist and co-owner of a busy psychology practice on the Gold Coast. She works with adults and young people across a wide range of challenges, with particular interests in PTSD, veteran mental health, eating disorders, anxiety, and neurodivergent experiences — especially ADHD and autism.

Known for her warm, down-to-earth approach, Kelly combines professional expertise with personal experience as someone with ADHD herself. She’s passionate about helping people understand their minds, embrace their neurodivergence, and build lives that genuinely fit them.

https://redmangallpsychologists.com.au

Phone: (07) 5562 2867 Email: admin@redmangallpsychologists.com.au

Speaker 3

Dr Chris Stapelberg

Dr Chris Stapelberg

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.

Email: admin@tsppc.com.au

Phone: (07) 5528 5222

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.

Charlie Boath

Hi there! My name is Charlie (they/she). I’m an AuDHDer with several comorbidities and other funky things like Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) that have meant I've spent a lot of the past 8 years going to a lot of appointments, doing treatments, and all the admin that goes with. It has been a lot of work building capacity and finding ways to make things accessible for myself so I can engage in a fulfilling life. 

Recently, if you see me out and about I'll likely be using my trusty walking stick or walker on my way to a cafe, op shop, or going to meet with friends to play dungeons and dragons or go to karaoke. At home I enjoy spending time with my pets, doing sewing or cross stitch, reading a good book, playing a video game, or baking some yummy gluten free banana bread. 

Between a tonne of life experience and some qualifications, quite a few members of my medical team and friends in the community have suggested I look into providing education to healthcare providers on disability, and work on changing systems to make things more accessible. To try and accomplish this, I am currently studying towards a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology, minoring in Ageing and Disability. With a handful of years before I finish the Bachelor's I want to get started doing what I can to support the community now.

I discovered Distractd about a year ago and thought it was just fantastic, immediately wanting to get involved helping however I can. I look forward to helping with accessibility, creating more opportunities for the community to connect, organising events, and more.

Very much looking forward to the opportunity to contribute what I can,

Charlie

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.

WORKPLACE NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING COMING TO YOU 2026. BOOK IN NOW

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!

Bookings Open Jan 2026

Register here

DISTRACTD ADHD Resource List

A community-curated mix of podcasts, books, tools & creators for life with ADHD.

Tonights survey recommendation here

🎧 PODCASTS

• Climbing the Walls – Audience favourite, great real talk.

• WTF is AUDHD – Two Kiwi women, late-diagnosed, talking all things AUDHD.

• How I Met My Brain – Matilda Bosely (also has a book).

• ADHD Chatter – Hosted by Alex Partridge.

• The Neurodivergent Woman – Monique Mitchelson & Michelle Livock.

• I Have ADHD – Kristen Carder (and her Focused program).

• Scattered Minds – Inspired by Dr Gabor Maté.

• ADHD Experts Podcast (ADDitude Magazine).

• The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast.

• Emsolation – Em Rusciano (dopamine hits + laughs).

📚 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.

📱 APPS & TOOLS

• Forest – Grow virtual trees while you focus.

• Todoist – Task manager with reminders.

• Notion – Flexible notes & planning system.

• Finch App – Self-care made fun.

• Dubbi App – ADHD-friendly voice journaling (by @adhd_love).

• Insight Timer – Meditation, sleep & focus.

👥 CREATORS & ACCOUNTS

• @adhdmemetherapy – Relatable memes for ADHD life.

• @tarah.and.barry – Honest ADHD + NT couple content.

• @adhd_love – Creators of the Dubbi app.

• @domesticblisters / @strugglecare – KC Davis’ “good enough” care mindset.

• @tarahelizabeth – ADHD real talk & creative chaos.

• HealthyGamerGG (YouTube) – Gaming + ADHD/mental health.

• How to ADHD (YouTube, Jessica McCabe) – Clear strategies & explainer videos.

🌐 OTHER MENTIONS

• ADDitude Magazine – Strategies, webinars, and community stories.

• CHADD.org – ADHD education & advocacy.

• hellowable.com – Dating app for neurodivergents.

• Local wins: journaling groups, body-doubling with friends, using the library as a low-stimulation workspace.

⚡ Plus don’t forget:📺 TEDx Talk – Amanda Gorman: ADHD is Not a Superpower (And That’s Okay)🎙️ DISTRACTD events, blog, and podcast!

We’ve teamed up with our friend (and regular DISTRACTD speaker) Daniel Bennett to bring you NeuroFit — a program run through ARRC and Tidal Health.

NeuroFit is all about inclusive, supportive movement for neurodivergent brains and bodies. It’s casual, fun, and designed to meet you where you’re at. Amanda will be there as much as possible — in between Saturday family activities — and we’d love to see you too!

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 Dr Chris Wever, Kelly Gall, and Dr Chris Stapleberg 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 ..

DISTRACTD is free and community-powered — and we’re looking for sponsors and partners who want to help us grow. Beyond financial support, we’d love to hear from businesses and services who can donate skills, services, or equipment. Areas where we need support include accounting, printing, merch supply, podcast and recording equipment, tech hardware, catering, and event supplies. Every bit of help allows us to keep these events free and accessible while building a stronger, more connected neurodiverse community.

Up next month :

Next month’s DISTRACTD dives into the fascinating world of neurofeedback, relationships, and the mind–body connection — exploring how our brains communicate, adapt, and heal.

Sunelle Asmussen and her team from Connections Clinic will unpack the science of brainwaves, behaviour, and belonging — showing how neurofeedback can support attention, emotional regulation, and relational wellbeing. They’ll also explore the surprising overlap between ADHD, stress, and physical health conditions such as diabetes.

Dr Chris Stapelberg returns to discuss Stress in ADHD, revealing how chronic stress affects our nerves, immune system, and gut health — contributing not only to mental health struggles like overwhelm and burnout, but also to long-term medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Join us for an evening of science, stories, and strategies for staying connected to your brain — and to each other.

Tickets: Here