Welcome to DISTRACTD for December at our beautiful home, HOTA – Home of the Arts!
It’s been an incredible year, and as we wrap it up, I want to say a huge THANK YOU for being part of this amazing community. I’m not hosting tonight because I’m off on an adventure of my own—a long-awaited family holiday to Japan!
This trip has been years in the making. Back in 2020, we had it all planned…then COVID threw a wrench into everything. Fast forward to now, and I feel so fortunate to finally be making it happen, especially with my sister by my side. If you know me, you’ll know Japan's meticulous efficiency is the exact opposite of how my ADHD brain works. Thankfully, my sister has tirelessly crafted our itinerary—ensuring each of us gets to do what’s most important and booking all the tickets well in advance. Japan, I’ve learned, is a land of planning: no reservations, no experiences. My sister’s organization has been the ultimate gift, and honestly, I couldn’t have done it without her.
Speaking of ADHD challenges, this trip has brought some unexpected ones. For instance, my ADHD medication is considered a banned substance in Japan, so I had to jump through a maze of forms, approvals, and declarations—definitely not ADHD-friendly! It’s also led me to look at ADHD in Japan. From what I’ve found, ADHD isn’t widely diagnosed there, and I can’t help but wonder how many people are quietly struggling. Are they masking, striving for perfectionism, and working twice as hard just to keep up? ADHD doesn’t discriminate, so this has me thinking deeply about neurodiversity in a place so rooted in structure and order.
While I’m away, my fabulous cousin Hannah Gorman will be hosting tonight. She’s a powerhouse who keeps DISTRACTD running smoothly and shares my passion for building this community. You’re in excellent hands!
I’ll be documenting an ADHD travel diary throughout my trip, capturing the quirks, wins, and chaos along the way. If you remember my Simpson Desert adventure, you know I like to embrace the beauty and challenges of these journeys. Japan promises to be no different—with perhaps fewer flies and more sensory stimulation. I’ll share it all when I’m back!
Thank you again for being part of this community and for showing up tonight. It means so much, especially during this busy time of year.
Enjoy the evening, and I’ll see you all in 2025 for more events, insights, and connections. Have a wonderful Christmas and rest of the year.
With love,Amanda
We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.
You can join below
Tonights schedule
6:00pm: Guest Arrival & Hannah Gorman Executive Director of DISTRACTD operations to do official intro and welcome.
6:10 pm : Speaker 1 : Monica Hassall
6:30 pm : Speaker 2 : Jonathan Hassall
6:50 pm : Video and Mentimeter
7:00 pm : 15 min break
7:15 pm : Q & A begins
8:30 pm : Event officially concludes
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
Hannah Gorman - DISTRACTD Executive Director of Operations
Hannah Gorman - Executive Coordinator at DISTRACTD
With a degree in advertising and entertainment and years of business administration experience, Hannah Gorman thrives on building meaningful connections. Her enthusiasm for people drives her passion for creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued. A lover of travel, art, and music, Hannah brings a creative edge to her work, ensuring every detail aligns with the mission of DISTRACTD. As a family member of ADHD neurodivergents and someone on her own journey of diagnosis, she brings unique insight and empathy to her role, championing neurodiversity through her organizational leadership and heartfelt dedication.
Speaker 1
Monica Hassall Director of Connect ADHD / ADHD & EF Coach
Monica is an ADHD and Executive Function Coach based in Brisbane, Australia, and co-founder of Connect ADHD Coaching. Since starting her coaching journey in 2012, Monica has worked extensively with parents, adults, and neurodivergent high school students, including those with ADHD and ASD. Her coaching combines neuroscience, mindfulness, traditional wisdom, and coaching principles to support her clients in creating meaningful change.
Monica is a seasoned presenter, having spoken at both international and Australian ADHD conferences, and her expertise has been featured in ADDitude and ATTENTION magazines. She also runs a live ADHD parenting program, where she shares practical tools and strategies to empower families navigating the ADHD journey.
Speaker 2
Jon Hassall Director of Connect ADHD / ADHD & EF Coach
Jon Hassall
Jonathan is an ADHD and Executive Function Coach and the Director of Connect ADHD Coaching, based in Brisbane, Australia. With a background in psychiatric nursing and clinical research, Jonathan has dedicated his career to supporting individuals with ADHD through coaching and education.
An accomplished speaker, Jonathan has presented at numerous international and national ADHD conferences and co-authored the book Decoding Doing – ADHD Solutions to Procrastination. He provides individual and group coaching programs and delivers ADHD training for health service groups. Jonathan’s work focuses on helping individuals embrace their “neuro-native” strengths, with a special interest in emotional regulation and executive function.
Spill the ADHD Tea! ☕️
Want to be featured in our upcoming monthly program? We’d love to spotlight our amazing ADHD community! Share your story in “The ADHD Minute”: a quick profile where you tell us about your quirks, passions, and what keeps you motivated (or hilariously distracted!). It’s your chance to spill the ADHD tea and let others see a bit of the real, relatable you Interested? Let us know, and let’s show off the diverse and dynamic voices of our community! Email "Im Keen to spill the tea" to distractdhq@gmail.com now and we will be in touch with you for our future ADHD minutes.
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!
Recommended reading / Viewing / Listening:
Additude Mag Podcast Library ( so many amazing podcasts )
The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov is the relationship bible for couples affected by ADHD. Traditional marriage counseling often discounts the influence of ADHD, but this straightforward book offers advice from the author’s personal experience as an ADHD marriage consultant and researcher. Orlov identifies patterns of behavior that can hurt marriages, such as nagging, intimacy problems, sudden anger, and memory issues. Also included are worksheets and ideas for navigating difficult conversations so couples can find a technique that fits their unique relationship and improves their communication skills.
From getting dressed in the morning to arriving on time for a job interview to remembering the full grocery list ― getting through the day can be an ordeal for a woman with ADHD. The Queen of Distraction is here to help. Psychotherapist Terry Matlen explains how ADHD uniquely impacts women’s relationships, skin sensitivities, meal planning, parenting, and hormones, and she suggests effective treatment options and skills to help women achieve focus and balance in all areas of their lives.
A quick look at the 10 best ADHD books
Best classic: Driven to Distraction
Best for women: A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD
Best for adults: Thriving with Adult ADHD
Best for everyday life: Order from Chaos
Best for parents: What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew
Best for couples: The ADHD Effect on Marriage
Best for getting organized: Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD
Best for harnessing your strengths: ADHD 2.0
Best for teens: Smart but Scattered Teens
Best for children: Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids
PODCAST
Amandas TEDx Talk
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 Jon and Monica Hassall from Connect ADHD for generously sharing their time, expertise, and insights with us. A big shoutout to Hannah for stepping in as our wonderful host and bringing her own magic to the evening.
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 first event of the new year will be on Monday, 29th January, combining both January and February into one exciting session! From March onwards, we’ll return to our regular schedule on the first Wednesday of each month. Keep an eye on our socials for updates on speakers and event details—we can’t wait to see you there!
Ticket link to DISTRACTD for next month will be direct with HOTA at this link below.
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