Autism Spectrum Disorders (Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHA, anxiety disorders)
Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are the experts in food and nutrition with skills to translate scientific nutrition information into personalised, practical dietary advice. They have the knowledge and skills to advise patients on how to prevent and manage an array of health conditions through dietary intervention. When it comes to disability, there are benefits to be gained from involving APDs in the care of people with special needs.
Optimum Intake’s experienced dietitians provide services to those with special needs at our clinics at Ourimbah, Umina and Charlestown or if required via home visit services. Our dietitians are experienced in working with those with a disability and high needs and are now registered and accredited to provide services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
An APD should be considered as a part of a person’s care team as indicated below:
- Weight management (underweight, overweight, obesity)
- Food behaviour (restrictive food practices and food acceptance – related to sensory impairments)
- Ritualistic mealtime behaviours which affect food & fluid intake
- Nutrition imbalance (requiring nutrition supplements)
- Bowel health (constipation, loose stools)
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Polypharmacy (impact of multiple medications and impact on digestive system)
- Dental health
When Dietitians are involved in a person’s health care a range of benefits can be achieved including:
- An increase in independence – with improved food choices, better food preparation skills and improved behaviour
- Decreased dependence on the health system with a healthier weight, improved nutritional status and blood pathology, improved bowel health, improved dental health and better management of food allergies, intolerances
- Decreased medication and/or nutritional supplement costs and an increase in social participation – as good nutrition maintains physical function and energy levels.
If you would like to find out more about how an APD can support you or someone you know please give us a call on 0499 008 451 or visit the contact page for more information.
Funding and rebates are available under NDIS, Medicare and private health insurance.
Also visit our NDIS Services page for more information regarding NDIS.
