Conditions

A wide range of conditions can have implications on a child’s growth, development and feeding abilities. We have experience in treating a number of different conditions.

Our team have a wide range of experience and knowledge with many conditions which can impact on their feeding abilities. To see if we can help please speak to our dietitian or book an assessment.

Autistic spectrum disorders

Children with ASD tend to have restrictive dietary intake due to ritualistic behaviours. The effects vary from child to child but often include limiting what they eat. We can provide treatment and education in order to help a child with ASD cope with their feeding difficulties.

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Neurological conditions

Neuro-disability is a term that is used to describe the group of conditions affecting the brain and central nervous system. We can provide individualised plans to minimise the affects the neurological condition may have on feeding. We can also ensure the child has a safe and effective swallow for feeding.

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Medical conditions

Many medical conditions can have implications on a baby or child’s nutritional status. Feeding problems medical conditions may cause include constipation, iron deficiency anaemia, coeliac disease, faltering growth and diarrhoea. Medical conditions may cause poor weight gain and nutritional deficiency.

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Down syndrome

Babies and children with downs syndrome have a lower muscle tone. This low tone, combined with a thicker, enlarged tongue can make sucking and swallowing difficult. In some instances feeding a baby or child with Down's syndrome can be a challenge, but with help and individualised advice you can make sure your child is getting all the nutrition they need to thrive and grow to their full potential.

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Muscular dystrophy

There are approximately 60 different types of muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a progressive neurological disorder where deterioration advances over time. Therefore, it is important to regularly assess nutritional status and swallow to ensure each child is following their growth potential and receiving optimal nutrition in the safest and most efficient way.

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Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition which affects muscle tone, movement and coordination. Cerebral palsy can affect the muscles that open and close the mouth and move the lips and tongue, this often makes eating and drinking difficult for babies and children with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy can also affect fine motor skills, affecting children’s ability to hold a cup or use cutlery.

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Cleft lip / palate

Cleft lip / palate occurs when the child’s lip or palate have not fused together effectively during pregnancy. This is often diagnosed at birth and may cause breathing and feeding difficulties due to the difficulty creating an effective seal with the lips and palate.

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ADHD

Children with ADHD may have a restrictive diet, meaning they will not receive all the nutrients needed to thrive. If you are worried about your child’s feeding intake or nutritional status please do not hesitate to get in contact with us for a full assessment and individualised plan.

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Respiratory conditions

Babies or children with asthma, or those who are prone to chest infections or other respiratory tract conditions, regularly require nutrition support to help them follow their expected growth potential. Our dietitian can assess your child’s growth and nutritional intake providing an individualised meal plan to help optimise growth and development.

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Premature babies

Preterm infants have limited stores of nutrients when born, as build-up of our essential nutrient stores occurs predominantly during the third trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, they are poorly equipped to withstand inadequate nutrition. The appropriateness and adequacy of nutritional management can be assessed through growth. Food intolerance may also occur in premature babies.

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