Many children experience sensory feeding challenges. This occurs when a child's sensory system reacts strongly to the look, smell, taste, texture, or temperature of food.
These sensitivities can make mealtimes stressful for the whole family. Sensory feeding issues are different from “picky eating”, and is rooted in how a child processes sensory information.
Gastrointestinal Disorder
What to do if you suspect your child is experiencing digestive issues?
Gastrointestinal disorders affect the entire digestive tract and can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation. These conditions can impact your child’s comfort, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Gastrointestinal disorders affect the entire digestive tract and can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation. These conditions can impact your child’s comfort, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Unlike food allergies, gastrointestinal disorders may not be triggered by a single food or ingredient. Triggers can vary widely — from the types of foods eaten to the timing or quantity consumed. They can also result from other factors, such as infections, inflammation, stress, sleep patterns, or even underlying health conditions. Understanding the symptoms and possible causes is essential, and tailored nutritional guidance can help manage the condition and support your child's well-being.
How we help:
Unlike food allergies, gastrointestinal disorders may not be triggered by a single food or ingredient. Triggers can vary widely — from the types of foods eaten to the timing or quantity consumed. They can also result from other factors, such as infections, inflammation, stress, sleep patterns, or even underlying health conditions. Understanding the symptoms and possible causes is essential, and tailored nutritional guidance can help manage the condition and support your child's well-being.
Signs of a Gastrointestinal Disorder
Children with gastrointestinal issues may show a variety of signs and symptoms. Here are some common indicators that might suggest your child needs support:
Persistent Abdominal Pain
Ongoing discomfort or cramping that doesn’t seem to resolve.
Bloating and Distension
Noticeable swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, especially after meals.
Diarrhoea or Constipation
Changes in bowel habits that continue over several days or weeks.
Nausea and Vomiting Frequent episodes that could affect their hydration and nutrition.
Changes in Appetite A sudden reluctance to eat or a noticeable decrease in appetite.
Unexplained Weight Changes Weight loss or a plateau in growth despite a healthy diet.
Irritability and Fatigue Mood changes or low energy levels that might be linked to discomfort.
Stool Changes Unusual consistency or colour of stools, such as greasy, pale, or very soft stools, which can indicate malabsorption.
Note: Your child doesn't need to display these symptoms, to have a gastrointestinal disorder.
What can I do if I suspect my child has gastrointestinal issues that require support?
While occasional tummy discomfort can be normal, persistent or severe digestive issues warrant professional advice. If your child experiences ongoing abdominal pain, frequent bouts of diarrhoea or constipation, significant bloating, or any other unusual symptoms, it may be time to explore further evaluation. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing your child’s condition.
Tailored Nutritional Guidance
Recognising that one size does not fit all, we develop individualised nutritional plans designed to support your child’s health and overall well-being. Our dietitians conduct a full assessment, and recommendations may include adjusting meal timing, identifying and eliminating potential triggers, and even recommending supplements if necessary. With a focus on balanced nutrition, our goal is to ease symptoms while ensuring your child continues to grow and thrive
“She was very patient with me as I have memory issues and needed things explained multiple times. She never made me feel bad about it.”
Father of Grace, aged 4, Doncaster
“My child has Crohn’s disease, and we have struggled for years with meal planning. My dietitian’s advice was practical and made eating less stressful.”
Mother of Muhammad, aged 11, Leeds
“Vicky was aware of his complex medical history, so she was able to tailor her advice around her multiple conditions, making the session really beneficial.”
Father of Willow, aged 6, Leeds
"My child has autism and struggles with textures of food. The dietitian was so understanding and gave me advice that understood his sensory needs rather than forcing him into a rigid diet."
Mother of Theodore, aged 12, Leeds
“I just had a meeting with my dietitian, and it was life-changing. My child has multiple allergies and intolerances, and she helped me build a balanced diet without feeling like she was missing out.”
Mother of Isla, aged 9, London
"Emma was so kind and supportive. She understood the emotional side of all of this and helped me navigate her eating, which has been a battle for years."
Mother of Sophia, aged 9, Bath
"For years, I’ve struggled with my child’s weight due to medication side effects. My dietitian finally helped me understand what was happening and what we could do about it without feeling like a bad mum."
