September 2025 Home of the Arts
- Amanda Gorman
- Sep 3
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 3
Welcome to DISTRACTD Edition
Welcome everyone, Thankyou for being here.
Tonights theme is Burnout, Chaos & Getting Your Sh*t Together
This month at DISTRACTD we’re naming the messy middle: the crash-and-burn cycles, the chaos that never seems to quit, and the never-ending quest to finally get our sh*t together.
ADHD burnout is real. It sneaks up when we’ve been burning the candle at both ends for too long, when our systems collapse, or when “just push through” becomes the default. That’s me a lot at the moment. But chaos doesn’t mean failure — it means we’re human, we’re juggling a lot, and sometimes we just need different tools.
Tonight we’re mixing things up a little: we’ll start with two speakers, move into a quick new learning session, then take a break before coming back for our final speaker and Q&A.
I hope your month has been kind to you. Mine has been full — Ive been busy working on our workplace education and some other exciting projects that we 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 practical things like printing our handouts, keeping our Mentimeter interactive, and making sure these events can stay free and accessible for everyone.
If you’d like to donate this month, we’ve added a little sweetness to the process. You’ll see a cash jar with Love Heart lollies inside. It’s a throwback to my childhood — my dad kept a tin of mints in his office with a money box, and every coin went to the local Lions Club. I always loved those mints.
So these lollies are my own version — a love letter to you for supporting DISTRACTD. Your generosity keeps this community alive, and I’m so grateful you’re here. I love having a crew of people just like me.
Big love, Amanda Gorman
Founder – DISTRACTD
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!
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
You can also use a Pay ID : distractdhqfinance@gmail.com to donate or
direct deposit using details below.
Direct deposit
DISTRACTD
BSB: 122 778
ACC: 850635836
We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.
Here is our link to join.
Tonights schedule
6:00pm: Guest Arrival & Amanda Gorman Founder of DISTRACTD to do official intro and welcome.
6:10 pm : Speaker 1 Alison Balson
6:30 pm : Speaker 2 : Genevieve Whittington
6:45 pm : New 'Learn Something' session
7:00 pm : 15 min break
7:15 pm : Speaker 3: Dr Kristy Bayliss
7:30 pm : Q & A Session
8:30 pm : Event officially concludes
Please follow and share our socials
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 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
Alison Balson
If you’ve found yourself saying “Oh Gosh, Now what?!” more times than you can count… you’re in the right place.
I support parents who are navigating the layered, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming world of raising neurodiverse kids—children with ADHD, autism, twice-exceptionality, and everything in between. Families like yours, who love fiercely but are also exhausted, wondering if it’s always going to feel this hard.
I bring over 20 years of experience in neurodiversity, education, and family support—but more importantly, I bring lived experience. I get what it’s like to be neurodiverse, married to a neurodiverse husband and have 4 neurodiverse kids and also, to feel burnt out, misunderstood, and like you’re constantly “figuring it out” without a roadmap.
At Our Neurodiverse Family, I believe in sustainable, honest change. No quick fixes. No judgment. Just real conversations, doable shifts, and heartfelt support for the families doing their best with what they’ve got.
When I’m not working with families, you’ll usually find me with a book in hand, sipping hot chocolate on the verandah watching the clouds roll in. And yes—there’s a mountain of dishes and washing, and I still think those ordinary moments are where connection is built.
You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own anymore.
Let’s find your family’s version of calm, connection, and authenticity—together.
0420 211 4700420 211 4700420 211 47040 211
Speaker 2
Genevieve Whittington
Speaker 3
Dr Kristy Bayliss
Dr. Kristy Bayliss
General Practitioner with a Special Interest in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Dr. Kristy is a dedicated and compassionate GP who brings a wealth of expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD, autism, and more.
With a special interest in helping individuals and families navigate the unique strengths and challenges of these conditions, Dr. Kristy combines clinical insight with a down-to-earth approach. Passionate about advocating for patient-centered neuroaffirming care, she are committed to improving the quality of life for children and adults alike.
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!
let us know at distractdhq@gmail.com if you want to know more about our training and to look at booking in a session.
ADHD RESOURCE LIST
A community-curated mix of podcasts, books, tools & creators for life with ADHD.
🎧 PODCASTS
I Have ADHD – Kristen Carder (plus her Focused coaching program)
ADHD Chatter – Alex Partridge
The Neurodivergent Woman – Monique Mitchelson & Michelle Livock
The Year I Met My Brain – Matilda Boseley
UnFck Your Brain* – Kara Loewentheil
Emsolation – Em Rusciano (dopamine, laughs, and relatability)
She’s on the Money – Search ADHD-related episodes
Sorry What?! – Tarah Elizabeth
Scattered Minds – Dr. Gabor Maté
NEW: ADHD Experts Podcast (ADDitude)
NEW: The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast
📚 BOOKS
The Year I Met My Brain – Matilda Boseley
Scattered Minds – Dr. Gabor Maté
How to Keep House While Drowning – KC Davis
Atomic Habits – James Clear
ADHD 2.0 – Edward Hallowell & John Ratey
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD – Solden & Frank
Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD – Susan C. Pinsky
NEW: Driven to Distraction – Edward Hallowell & John Ratey
NEW: Your Brain’s Not Broken – Tamara Rosier
📱 APPS & TOOLS
Finch App – Self-care that’s actually fun
Dubbi App – ADHD-friendly voice journaling by @adhd_love_
Focused Coaching – Kristen Carder’s popular ADHD coaching community
NEW: Forest – focus timer that grows virtual trees 🌱
NEW: Notion – flexible workspace for notes & planning
NEW: Todoist – task manager with reminders
NEW: Insight Timer – meditation, sleep, and focus
👥 CREATORS & SOCIAL ACCOUNTS
@adhdmemetherapy – The memes we didn’t know we needed
@tarah.and.barry – Honest ADHD + NT couple content
@adhd_love_ – Creators of the Dubbi app
@domesticblisters / @strugglecare – KC Davis’ life-saving cleaning mindset
@tarahelizabeth – ADHD real talk and creative chaos
HealthyGamerGG (YouTube) – ADHD & mental health explained gamer-style
NEW: How to ADHD (YouTube – Jessica McCabe)
🌐 OTHER MENTIONS
hellowable.com – Dating app for neurodivergents
NEW: CHADD.org – ADHD education & advocacy
NEW: ADDitude Magazine – strategies, webinars, and community stories
NEW: Local wins: journaling groups, body-doubling with friends, using the library as a low-stimulation workspace
TEDx Talk
Amanda Gorman – TEDx SpeakerWatch: “ADHD is Not a Superpower (And That’s Okay)”DISTRACTD founder Amanda Gorman shares a raw, honest take on ADHD, breaking down the stereotypes and embracing what it really means to thrive.📺 Watch here
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.
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 Allison Balson, Genevieve Whittington anb Dr Kristy Bayliss 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 October 1st —we can’t wait to see you there!
These events are made possible by the following partners
Home of the Arts
Merge Creative Art
Amanda Gorman Artist
Rotary Runaway Bay
Ticket link to DISTRACTD for next month will be direct with HOTA at this link below.
Comments