Child and Adolescent mental health services

Fiona works with children and adolescents with a diagnosis of autism spectrum condition. She is sensory trained and able to work closely with families to explore the sensory issues that may make it difficult to eat certain foods, resulting in a limited repertoire of foods. This is a concern for children as it can restrict growth and development. In rare cases, this eating behaviour can lead to serious problems such as bone problems and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Common difficulties include disliking mealtimes and only eating a few foods, constipation, diarrhoea, feeling bloated and food hypersensitivity. Fiona can help clients try new foods, ensure the diet is sufficient to meet all nutritional needs and give helpful, practical advice for mealtimes to reduce stress.

Being overweight in childhood can be dangerous to an individual’s health. Overweight children and adolescents are more likely to develop future problems as a result of their weight, such as heart disease and diabetes. Fiona can guide parents and children through healthy and safe weight management strategies including food portioning, healthy snacking, food shopping, budgeting, meal ideas and appropriate and safe weight loss.