How can a clinical nutritionist help

As a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CPN) I provide valuable support for people (ASD, ADHD, sensory processing differences) feel calmer, eat foods their body tolerates, and find routines that don’t overwhelm—but still nourish.

Here’s how we can help:

1. Tailored Nutritional Plans
   Clinical nutritionists can create personalised diet plans that meet the specific needs of individuals that work for your sensory preferences (textures, smells, routine), whatever your schedule or budget while focusing on essential nutrients that support brain function, mood, and cognitive performance.
2. Managing Sensory Sensitivities
   Many individuals experience sensitivities to certain foods or textures. A nutritionist can help identify trigger foods and suggest alternatives that are more tolerable, ensuring balanced nutrition without discomfort.
3. Supporting Gut Health
   Reduce gut discomfort (bloating, reflux, cramping), help you sleep better, reduce brain fog or mood swings—by restoring balance in your gut and nutrients.
4. Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies
   Common nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin B6, B12, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc, are often found. A clinical nutritionist can recommend dietary changes or supplements to address deficiencies that might be affecting behaviour, mood, or cognitive function.
5. Behaviour and Mood Regulation
   Certain dietary changes can help manage mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and hyperactivity, common in conditions like ADHD, ASD and AuDHD. Nutritionists can help incorporate foods that stabilise blood sugar levels, promote stable mood and focus, effectively turning the volume down on symptoms. Helping to manage meltdowns, spikes in anxiety or irritability, or focus challenges—without restrictive diets or guilt.
6. Supporting Sleep Patterns
   Sleep challenges are common. A nutritionist can recommend foods and nutrients, such as melatonin-rich foods or magnesium, to help improve sleep quality and support healthy sleep routines.
7. Holistic, Integrative Approach
   We work with what you’re already doing (therapists, doctors, medication etc), not against it—bringing food, lifestyle, and integration of small tools to make things easier in your daily life to provide a holistic approach, ensuring that the plan complements your life.
8. Empowering Families
   Supporting families by simplifying meals, handling lunchboxes, overcoming mealtime battles, and helping everyone feel more peaceful around food.

In essence, a clinical nutritionist can play a crucial role in improving the physical and mental well-being of our clients through personalised, thoughtful evidence-based strategies.