Food and Health
Support from a Dietitian
Not everyone who is concerned about their child’s diet needs to see a Dietitian. You might well be able to get what need from some of the information on these pages, or through discussion with your health visitor or another professional involved in your child’s care.
If you do feel you need a Dietitian, this is best done via another professional involved in your child’s care. This is because they are likely to have access to the background information that will help save time later. However, it is also possible to discuss your concerns directly with a Dietitian by calling “Just Ask”, on 0300 303 1365 between 1 and 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays). You can also email paediatricdietitians@highland.gov.uk. If you do this, you can describe the problem you would like support with and provide your phone contact details. It is best not to give your child’s name when emailing from an unsecure email address though. We can call you to find this out. Whether the request comes from a parent, carer or professional, we will need the child’s height and weight.
Be aware that it may be a while before they can arrange an assessment as there is a significant waiting list. It is likely that you’ll be asked to complete a questionnaire about your child’s diet. After this has been assessed, it may be that you are offered an appointment. Sometimes it turns out that the diet is good enough for this to not be necessary and that you are just sent some information. Either way, you will be encouraged to register for the Food and Health Webinars
Guidelines on Children’s Food
Ideally, children should eat regular meals and eat a varied diet. Eating regular meals. Including 3 meals and two or three snacks a day, helps to keep the levels of sugar in our blood nice and steady.
Understanding and Managing Picky Eating
Picky eating is a typical developmental stage that most often develops in the 2nd year of life and typically fades from the age of 5 or 6. Some children are pickier for longer, including into adulthood.
“Special” diets for children with Autism
“Special” diets and specific supplements are often promoted for children with Autism. Quite often, the quality of scientific evidence behind these interventions is not very good at all.
Bumps to Bairns
Highland site assembled by a range of specialists to support parents and those who work with young children.
The Ellyn Satter Institute
Website on how to help children develop a healthy relationship with food.
Specialist Dietitian
The Pines is host to Specialist Dietitian, David Rex. David provides regular Food & Health webinars for parents and carers so that they can understand their child’s diet might be affecting their health & wellbeing; and what they can do to influence it. You can register for these Webinars here Food & Health Seminars. Don’t worry if the current dates don’t suit. The webinars are provided regularly throughout the year.
