Paula Tazzyman: Sydney Dietitian

Working with a nutritional therapist that specialises in supporting neurodiverse children could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Perhaps you’re worried about your child’s limited diet and are concerned they may be missing out on key nutrients to support their growth and development. Perhaps eating has become so restrictive that an ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) diagnosis has been flagged. Perhaps mealtimes are so stressful and not enjoyable for you or your child.

As parents, you know that what your child eats will affect their brain development, brain function, concentration, learning ability as well as their mood and digestive health. Your child’s nutritional health is paramount and will impact on your child’s learning and development. The connection between nutrition and childhood learning needs to be recognised and addressed to achieve great health and well-being and to create the best learning outcomes for the child.

Nutrition is one of the pillars of childhood wellness but, in my opinion, it is often forgotten in the treatment and management of children with neurodiverse conditions. Nutrition related issues are one of the most common concerns parents have and yet often not supported.

An individualised approach to nutrition is essential!

As every child is unique, it is important to identify what may best work for your child based on their specific requirements. All of my clients have individual food preferences, individual sensory issues, individual nutrient deficits and their own unique set of symptoms. Hence every consultation I have will be different and the advice given individualised to the client.

If you are considering making changes to your child’s diet work with your healthcare team. It is vital that dietary modifications are undertaken in consultation with your Doctor and an experienced Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Maintaining a balanced diet is key when you are considering making dietary changes.

Can you relate to some of these statements?

• My child is hyperactive or restless
• The school is concerned about my child’s concentration
• My child has limited ability to stay on task
• I’m worried about my child’s anxiety levels
• Our child is a poor sleeper and struggles to function the next morning
• We’re worried about our child’s digestion and tummy trouble

Nutrition has a role to play in supporting all these areas!

Some of the nutritional issues your child may be experiencing include:

• Selective eating and food refusal
• Nutrient deficits
• Feeling tired
• Feeling rundown and sick all the time
• Poor concentration
• Language development delay
• Hyperactivity
• Restless and fidgety
• Poor sleeping patterns
• Behaviour issues
• Anxiety and depression
• Poor digestion – constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Food chemical sensitivities/ intolerances
• Weight concerns

If your child is experiencing some of these issues, you are not alone. These are very common nutritional concerns that I help parents address on a daily basis.

By focusing on individualised nutritional therapy all the above-mentioned issues can be supported, managed and in some cases, even resolved.

Nutrition is a powerful support system!

Teachers often comment on gains made at school after diet modifications are implemented for neurodiverse children, such as better concentration, calmer behaviour, less fidgety and even happier children! The parents I support often report that their child’s improvement has also benefited their home and family life.

Are you thinking you need to make changes to the diet but don’t know where to start?

Are you considering supplements but are not sure if your child has a deficiency?

With so much information out there it can certainly be confusing and daunting for parents to know how to start making dietary changes. As an example, you may have noted that artificial food colourings are impacting on your child’s behaviour but you are not sure which food chemical numbers have been proven, by research, to cause hyperactivity or how to read food labels to identify additives to avoid.

Making modifications does not have to be complicated or stressful. It has been my experience that simple changes can have a profound effect on your child’s behaviour, concentration, sleep, mood and general wellbeing.

It is my aim to provide you with clear, simple advice that takes into account cost, your time and cooking abilities. I will also ensure you are fully aware of the scientific evidence (or lack thereof) and the potential limitations and pitfalls to making specific dietary changes. I will also share with you 27 years of clinical experience in the hope that my observations and insights will provide further assistance to your child.

I am here to support you should you need my knowledge and expertise. Together we can make a difference to your child’s wellbeing.

The information on my website is general in nature. Please discuss with your health care provider before considering making any changes to your child’d diet.

Support the wellbeing of your child through individualised nutrition interventions.

If you would like guidance to begin to address your child’s nutritional concerns feel free to contact me for a FREE 10-minute phone consult on 0418 162 202 or email me to discuss if I can be of help to you and your child.

I can provide dietary advice in Spanish if that is your first language.

I look forward to helping you enhance the potential of your child by prioritising their nutrition and helping them grow in wellness.