Welcome to DISTRACTD for November at our wonderful new home, HOTA – Home of the Arts! It’s a different vibe from our previous spot at Marketta, where we had bustling markets, live music, and plenty of excitement—but, of course, that came with its fair share of distractions (pun intended!). Here at HOTA, we hope you’re enjoying the perks of easy parking, seating, and a space where you can actually hear each other.
Thank you for coming out tonight! I know it’s tempting to stay in, especially on a weeknight, so I’m really grateful you’re here. Whether it’s your first time with us or you’re back again, welcome to our community, where we can chat openly about all things ADHD and just be ourselves. It’s the support and camaraderie that make these events so meaningful.
Looking ahead, we’ll be continuing at HOTA on the first Wednesday of each month next year, with some additional ticketed events for specific topics. Plenty to look forward to!
To join in on Mentimeter, go to www.menti.com and enter the code provided.
Code to Join the mentimeter
Tonights schedule
6:00pm: Guest Arrival & Amanda DISTRACTD Founder to do official intro and welcome.
6:10 pm : Speaker 1 : Monique Mitchelson
6:30 pm : Speaker 2 : Sarah Gurrin
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
Amanda Gorman - Founder of DISTRACTD
Amanda Gorman, TEDx speaker, ADHD educator, and advocate, brings her deep passion for neurodiversity and lived experience with ADHD to the role of host at this year's DISTRACTD ADHD event. As the founder of DISTRACTD, Amanda’s mission is to elevate awareness, support, and understanding for the ADHD community. With a vibrant background as a visual artist, textile designer, and co-founder of the GC Music Network, Amanda combines her creativity with a strategic vision, fostering inclusive spaces that celebrate neurodivergent minds. Join her for an event filled with insightful discussions, empowering stories, and a celebration of authenticity and resilience.
Speaker
Sarah Gurrin, Neurodivergent Educational and Developmental Psychologist
We are excited to announce one of our speakers, Sarah Gurrin, she is a neurodivergent psychologist and teacher. Sarah specializes in the assessment of autism, ADHD and Specific Learning Disabilities. She has a special interest in working with children and girls/women.
With a background in teaching, she brings a unique perspective to her practice, combining her educational expertise with a deep understanding of neurodivergent individuals.
Sarah is not only a dedicated professional in the field—she is also neurodivergent herself. Her personal and professional experience gives her a profound insight into the challenges and strengths of neurodivergent individuals, which she brings to her work and her advocacy.
Sarah will address some of the pressing concerns many of you have raised, such as:
Getting started on tasks: While medication can help with focus, many still find the initial step of beginning a task difficult. Sarah will share strategies to help with motivation and task initiation.
The progression of ADHD: Some people feel their ADHD symptoms worsen over time. Sarah will explore whether this might be due to changing management needs or other factors, such as life stage or mental health.
Accessing help when resources are limited: Given the challenges with long wait times and the cost of psychological and psychiatric services, Sarah will offer practical advice for those struggling to access the care they need.
Speaker
Monique Mitchelson
Clinical Psychologist
Host of The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast
Board Approved Supervisor
Author
Monique Mitchelson is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience across public, community, research, and vocational settings. Working from a strengths-based perspective, she uses tailored evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Monique has contributed to the National Autism Strategy and co-authored The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD, a guide to cultivating self-compassion, living authentically, and advocating for oneself.
Monique also specializes in vocational counseling, helping people of all ages clarify their career directions by identifying strengths, values, and ideal job-person fits. Additionally, she has a keen interest in treating sleep disorders, including insomnia, using Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Insomnia (MBT-I).
Alongside her psychology practice, Monique is a qualified yoga teacher, integrating mindfulness and well-being into her therapeutic approach.
Colin Selby
Tell us a little about yourself in one sentence.
I am very creative with a wicked sense of humour, particularly when it comes to the self-deprecating analysis – best to get in there first and steal their chunder.
What’s one quirk you have that only someone with ADHD would understand?
I think I’m Geppetto (especially when it comes to the impoverished part). I make things out of wood in my head and then go ahead and do it. No measuring. Rough as guts use of power tools with very little regard for “safety first”. I just want to get to the end so that I can use my brilliantly over-engineered final “product”. Most of these projects require painting. I have carpets in my home-recording studio that most be kept from the prying eyes of my long-suffering wife.
What’s something you’re deeply passionate about?
Music, data and integrity. Music is a wonderful thing. Well, the music I like! I’m evangelical in terms of raising my boys to think about what they are listening to and embrace the stuff the “mainstream” thinks is rubbish. I can’t get a drummer, so I’m making one – the ten-year-old. The five-year-old wants to play guitar.
Data – I’ve become a super Excel junkie and can’t get enough. Data must be conquered so that you can know what they don’t know.
Integrity. What’s right is right. What’s bullshit is bullshit. I have an innate Bullshit Detector. The challenge I have is I’m too old to let it slide these days.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying motivated?
Dex. But it must get done before I’m tempted to look at my phone and play Royal Match (level 3388 by the way).
What’s your favorite distraction?
Podcasts and YouTube – usually covering geopolitics, crims – love hearing from the actual crims, (especially ex-bikies because they scare the shit out of me), economics, excel, music, science. I event watch math lectures even though they fry my brain. Pretty much anything that is non-fiction.
Share a moment that captures the humor in living with ADHD.
A few weeks ago I was packing the “Tupperware” away (that’s the generic term for plastic containers in my house – we cannot afford actual Tupperware – just like Tupperware couldn’t afford to pay it’s own creditors) . The next day, I remarked how the place smelled like someone was dropping their guts (two young kids – who else are you going to blame?). I had packed a few chicken thighs into a container destined for the fridge that was packed away with the other “Tupperware”.
What does being part of the ADHD community mean to you?
It’s good to know that there are many other people as batshit nuts as I am! I mean that in the best possible way.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with ADHD?
Don’t panic, you’ll be fine. Take the drugs!
How does ADHD help you see the world differently?
I genuinely can’t answer that. In my mind, I see the world as it is – particularly as far as humans are concerned. I’m 51 – I can’t imagine a reality that is any different from the one I’ve become accustomed to.
Anything else you’d like to share with the community?
Sometimes I just get ADHD’d out! I don’t want to talk about it. Read about it. Nothing about it. I want it to just fuck off for a few days. Particularly for my boy’s sake.
It’s ok to hate it sometimes – it is, after all, the reason I’ve had the shittiest experiences, but it’s mostly the reason I’m bloody awesome!
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 )
Amanda joined Bern Young for her NIGHTLIFE national radio program to discuss ADHD in the workplace
Listen here
Amanda also spoke with ABC Brisbane in relation to Gp's being able to access more training on ADHD to be able to help manage patients.
Amandas TEDx Talk
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.
Thank you for being part of our community! We’re thrilled to have you with us, so stay connected, keep in touch, and join us at our monthly events.
We’d love to hear about your favourite podcasts, books, videos, groups, and more so we can share them with our audience. Feel free to reach out to us at distractdhq@gmail.com
A special thanks this month to Monique Mitchelson , Sarah Gurrin and Hamilton for sharing their valuable time and insights with us. And a big thank you to Hannah Gorman, my cousin, who’s been running the merch table tonight! Hannah will be stepping in as host for next month’s event while I’m away in Japan with my family. It’ll be a great chance for friends, family, and those who live, work, or connect closely with ADHD to join us and hear practical strategies—whether for managing ADHD themselves or supporting those around them. So please invite a guest to come along next month. Decemebr is going to be huge. We have the epic Monica and Jon Hassall joining us.
I’m also incredibly grateful to my family and friends for their help in making these events happen each month, and to the wonderful staff at HOTA for ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Amanda and the DISTRACTD crew 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
Next months event is here at HOTA on the December 4th from 6pm - 8:30 pm. We have the lovely Jon and Monica Hassall from connect ADHD.
Ticket link to DISTRACTD for next month will be direct with HOTA at this link below.
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