OCTOBER LIVE
- Amanda Gorman
- Sep 30
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 1
Welcome everyone, and thankyou for being here.
Tonight’s theme is The Overlap & The Everyday: ADHD, Autism & the Grey Areas Between.
This month at DISTRACTD, we’re leaning into the “in-between.” The places where ADHD and autism overlap, blur, or don’t fit neatly into one box. The grey areas that can be confusing, exhausting, and often overlooked — but also the spaces where so much of our everyday life actually happens.
Living in the overlap can mean mixed signals, double misunderstandings, or feeling like you don’t fully belong in one camp or the other. It can also mean unique insights, a stronger sense of identity, and new ways of seeing the world.
Tonight, we’ll move through the evening like this: we’ll start with two incredible speakers, shift into a short practicallearning session, take a break, then return for our final speaker and the panel Q&A.
I hope this month has been kind to you. Mine has been full — lots happening behind the scenes at DISTRACTD as we continue to grow our workplace education and prepare some new projects I can’t wait to share with you soon.
DISTRACTD is free and community-powered — thank you for helping us keep the lights on and the doors open. Last month’s donations went straight into the heart of DISTRACTD — covering the essentials like printing handouts, running Mentimeter, and making sure these events stay free and accessible for everyone.
If you’d like to donate this month, you’ll find our Love Hearts lolly jar again. It’s a throwback to my childhood — my dad always had a tin of mints in his office with a money box, and every coin went to the local Lions Club. Those mintswere simple but meaningful, and this jar is my way of passing that forward — a love letter back to you for supportingDISTRACTD.
Your generosity keeps this community alive, and I’m so grateful you’re here. It means the world to have a crew of people just like me in the room.
Big love,Amanda GormanFounder – DISTRACTD
A note on Bionic Reading
You might notice parts of this program use 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 trialling it to support different types of brains and reading styles — especially for those with ADHD, dyslexia, or anyone who just likes a little help focusing. Let us know if it helps!
DISTRACTD Events: Free, Accessible & Community-Focused
At DISTRACTD, we’re committed to keeping our monthly events free and accessible for everyone. We know the ADHD community already faces high costs for treatments, therapies, and resources, so our goal is to ensure thesegatherings are always welcoming and barrier-free.
Alongside our free events, we’ll also run occasional ticketed** sessions on focused topics — like ADHD & Relationships, Women with ADHD, and Understanding ADHD for Professionals. These will help fund our missionwhile offering deeper learning opportunities.
To support the ongoing running and growth of DISTRACTD, we’ve introduced an optional** donation system at freeevents. A small contribution — whether a gold coin, Square tap, or digital donation — helps us cover essentials likeprinting, interactive tools, and community outreach. If donating isn’t possible for you, please know you are always** welcome for free.
Your support helps us to:
Upgrade our interactive tools like Mentimeter
Grow our social media and reach more people
Invest time into securing sponsorships
Expand our workplace ADHD training programs
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for helping us build a stronger, more connected, and better-informed ADHD community.
Ways to Donate
Square Tap & Go (at the event)
Pay ID: distractdhqfinance@gmail.com
Direct Deposit: DISTRACTD | BSB: 122 778 | ACC: 850635836
We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.
Here is our link to join.
October Event Schedule
6:00 pm – Guest Arrival & Official Welcome by Amanda Gorman, Founder of DISTRACTD
6:10 pm – Speaker 1: Sarah Gurrin Alexithymia, Interoception & Rejection Sensitivity
6:25 pm – Speaker 2: Victoria Clark The ADHD & Autism Overlap: What it Means & Why it Matters
6:40 pm – Learn Something session with Amanda
6:55 pm – 15 min Break
7:10 pm – Speaker 3: Dr Glen Craig Clinical Realities of ADHD, Autism, & the Grey Areas Between
7:25 pm – Panel Q&A (all speakers, moderated by Amanda, anchored by Dr Glen Craig)
8:25 pm – Closing Remarks
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.
Speaker 1
Sarah Gurrin & the adorable Hamilton
Sarah Gurrin is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist at East Coast Assessment Services.
She holds a BBehSc, BSocSc(Psych)(Hons), PGradDipEd, and MPsych.
Sarah specialises in understanding the human experience of neurodivergence, bringing both clinical expertise and practical insights. Her topic tonight examines alexithymia, interoception, and rejection sensitivity.
Phone: 0413 957 968
0420 211 4700420 211 4700420 211 47040 211
Speaker 2
Victoria Clark
Victoria Clark is a Psychologist, working both in Helensvale and via Telehealth across QLD.
Her work focuses on the ADHD & Autism overlap, exploring what it really means and why it matters in everyday life.
Victoria combines evidence-based practice with a warm, accessible approach, making her insights both grounded and easy to relate to.
Speaker 3
Dr Glen Craig
Dr Glen Craig is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and General Adult Psychiatrist at The Southport Psychiatry and Psychology Clinic.
He holds an MBBS, is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP), and has a Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Dr Craig brings both extensive clinical experience and a compassionate approach to examining the grey areas betweenADHD and autism
Email: admin@tsppc.com.au
Phone: (07) 5528 5222
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!
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 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!
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 Sarah Gurrin, Victoria Clark, and Dr Glen Craig 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 :
ADHD Decoded: What Now?
Wednesday 5 November | HOTA
ADHD can feel like a puzzle — a diagnosis gives you the first piece, but it often leaves us asking: Now what?
This month at DISTRACTD, we’ll unpack the “what next” of ADHD with a powerful line-up of experts:
Dr Chris Wever on ADHD diagnosis at every age — what changes, what stays the same, and why it matters.
Kelly Gall on ADHD coaching vs therapy — how to find the right kind of support in your corner.
Amanda Gorman with an interactive “Learn Something” session: Building Your Support Team.
After the break, Dr Chris Stapleby will close with a keynote on executive functions — the brain’s management system — and what happens when it works differently in ADHD.
We’ll finish with a panel Q&A where you can bring your own questions to the experts.
Join us for an evening of insight, strategies, and connection as we decode ADHD and explore the practical steps that help us thrive.
Tickets: Here
Comments