When the Wheels Fall Off (That’s OK)

ADHD Coaching, real-life systems, and getting back on track

A Note from Amanda

Hello, I’ve really missed you all.

There’s something about walking into a DISTRACTD night and seeing your faces that just fills my cup straight away. Thank you for coming and being part of this community. Every person who shows up genuinely makes a difference. DISTRACTD only exists because you’re here.

I hope you had a lovely Christmas break and got to spend some time with people you love (or at least found a few quiet moments to rest).

And thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas baubles and cards. They were SO much fun to make, and seeing your photos and messages brought me so much joy. It means more than you probably realise.

We’ve got some new merch out at this month’s event too, including fresh tees and a few fun bits and pieces, so come have a browse if you’re joining us.

The truth about the holidays (for my ADHD brain)

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year.

And also… historically one of the fastest ways for my wheels to completely fall off.

Every year I think I’ll keep some kind of routine.

And every year I end up doing a thousand things… but somehow not the things I actually meant to do.

Busy, but not effective.

Without school mornings or anywhere I have to be, my days get really loose and floaty. I stay up too late, drift between a hundred half-jobs… and if I stop a habit even once, it basically disappears from my brain.

I did this with my exercise app over the break. I skipped one day… and my brain completely deleted it from existence. No classes, no routine, nothing. Then weeks later a notification pops up and I’m like, “Oh yeah… I pay for this. And I actually like it.”

But somehow restarting feels ten times harder than stopping ever did.

Very ADHD.

I’ve basically been half working, half mum-ing, living in swimmers with sunscreen and wet tea-towel hair thinking “this is fine”… while also quietly feeling completely off track.

Which is ironic, because as much as I pretend I hate routines, I actually function so much better with them.

And I know I’m not the only one.

This month’s theme: The wheels fell off. That’s OK.

So February’s theme felt very obvious.

Not:

“Try harder.”

Not:

“Be more disciplined.”

Just:

The wheels fell off. That’s OK.

Let’s talk about what actually helps next.

This month we’re exploring ADHD coaching, executive function, and the practical systems that make everyday life easier when motivation alone isn’t cutting it.

Because for a lot of us, it’s not about willpower.

It’s about support.

What we’re diving into at DISTRACTD

We’ll be joined by Dr Chris Stapelberg, who’ll introduce what ADHD coaching really looks like in real life and share his Top Ten practical tips for staying organised and on track.

We’ll also hear from Zahara Stapelberg and Kamola Komilova, two university students navigating ADHD through lectures, deadlines, independence, and everything that comes with early adulthood. Their story is honest, relatable, and a reminder that you’re not doing this alone.

Together, we’re blending professional insight with lived experience, tools you can actually try, not just theories.

Whether you’re in senior school, uni, parenting, working, or just trying to keep life vaguely together… this night is for you.

Come as you are. Planner optional.

DISTRACTD is completely community-funded.

Everything you see at our events, the space, the speakers, Mentimeter, the fidget table, the website, happens because this community chips in.

If these nights have ever helped you feel seen or supported, there’s always a donation link or merch table to help us keep it going. Even small contributions genuinely make a difference.

We’re also opening up sponsorship opportunities for the year ahead. If you or someone you know would like to support DISTRACTD in a bigger way, you can register your interest via the sponsor link below. We’d love to chat.

Thank you for being here, for showing up, for laughing, for sharing, and for helping build something really special together.

Big love,

Amanda Gorman

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 ( 15 mins )

6:15 pm – Speaker 1: Dr. Chris Stapelberg ( 25 mins )

6:40 pm – Speaker 2: Zahara Stapelberg & Kamola Komilova ( 15 mins )

7:00 pm – 15 min Break

7:15 pm - Q & A session with all speakers (1 hour)

8:15 pm – Wrap up and mingle

8:30 pm – Event Concludes

Please follow and share our socials

Be updated with our 2026 live events

this link will put the dates into your calender

https://tr.ee/ZbUkiH2hvw

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.

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

Speaker 1 : Dr Chris Stapelberg

Dr Chris Stapelberg is a psychiatrist and academic with extensive experience across clinical practice, research, and higher education.

He has previously served as Professor of Mental Health at Bond University and as Lead for Mental Health Research at Gold Coast Hospital, alongside working in clinical psychiatry.

As a researcher, Chris explored how stress, mental illness, and chronic lifestyle diseases are interrelated. He has also worked in the field of machine learning, developing computer programs that can identify mental health presentations within emergency department data.

Chris currently works in private practice, providing telehealth services to regional, rural, and remote Australians. Outside of medicine, he writes science fiction novels and composes music.

0420 211 4700420 211 4700420 211 47040 211

Speakers 2

Zahara Stapelberg and Kamola Komilova

Biomedical Science and Exercise and Sport Science

Zahara Stapelberg and Kamola Komilova, second-year university students studying Biomedical Science and Exercise and Sport Science, respectively.

They met on their very first day of university and immediately clicked. Since then, they’ve supported each other through the realities of university life with ADHD brains — balancing lectures, deadlines, academic stress… and still making time for shopping sprees and late-night yap sessions.

Through the confidence they’ve built together, Zahara and Kamola have recently become mentors for other neurodiverse students who are new to university. Their focus is on helping students find a healthy balance between managing academic demands and actually enjoying the university experience.

Their story is honest, relatable, and deeply encouraging.

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 early 2026.

Help your team work better together.

Join the waitlist for our neuroinclusion training and be first to book when sessions open.

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 also looking for values-aligned sponsors and partners who’d like to support DISTRACTD’s growth.

Beyond financial sponsorship, we 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 bit of help allows us to keep these events free and accessible while building a stronger, more connected neurodiverse 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

Climbing the Walls

WTF is AUDHD

How I Met My Brain – Matilda Bosely

ADHD Chatter – Alex Partridge

The Neurodivergent Woman – Monique Mitchelson & Michelle Livock

I Have ADHD – Kristen Carder

Scattered Minds – Inspired by Dr Gabor Maté

ADHD Experts Podcast (ADDitude Magazine)

The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast

Emsolation – Em Rusciano

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

CHADD.org

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

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, Zajhara Stapelberg and Kamola Komilova 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

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 : March 4

The ADHD & Neurodivergent Brain Manual

What it actually is, what it isn’t & what gets confused

Ever wished someone had just explained your brain properly?

Not the stereotypes.

Not the “try harder.”

Not the “everyone struggles sometimes.”

Just… the actual science. In plain English.

This DISTRACTD Foundations Night is all about finally understanding what ADHD and neurodivergence really are — and gently untangling the myths, labels and mix-ups that so many of us have carried for years.

Because ADHD isn’t laziness.

It isn’t a motivation problem.

And it definitely isn’t a personality flaw.

It’s a difference in how the brain regulates attention, energy, emotion and executive function.

And once you understand that, so much starts to make sense.

We’re joined by a GP, psychiatrist and psychologist to walk through:

• what ADHD actually is (and isn’t)

• how neurodivergent brains process the world differently

• how ADHD can overlap with anxiety

• how it differs from autism

• the quieter, internalised presentations many people miss

• what assessments measure… and what they absolutely don’t

Think less lecture.

More lightbulb moments.

The kind where you quietly go,

“…ohhh. That explains my whole life.”

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, questioning, supporting someone, or just curious, this night gives you the foundations and language to understand your brain with clarity and compassion.

Come curious.

Leave clearer.