How do I explain CD to children?

• Children can adapt very quickly to a new diet. After feeling unwell for some time, they will soon realise that they feel better on their new diet. Explain to young children that they have a special tummy and what gluten does to their bodies (tailored to your child’s age and understanding).
• It's also important to explain coeliac disease to the whole family. You might like to go through your cupboards and label all gluten free products with a smiley face sticker and products that are not gluten free with a warning sticker to ensure everyone gets the message.
• In terms of cooking for the family, many dishes can be made suitable for a gluten free diet by simply substituting certain ingredients (such as stock cubes). It is essential to take sensible steps to prevent contamination with gluten-containing foods in the kitchen.
• If you are ever unsure about what food is gluten free, we have a range of resources to help you identify gluten free products.

Do not remove gluten from your child's diet until they have received a diagnosis by a healthcare professional.

For further diagnosis information, Starship Children’s Health and Coeliac New Zealand have created a unique partnership to provide better community support and care for children with coeliac disease. This has included the development of a new regional clinical pathway, for children who live in the Auckland, Waitamata and Counties Manakau District Health Board regions.

          View details of the new Clinical Pathway here.

                     Children and Coeliac Disease