Participant: Young woman with acquired brain injury, 34 years old
NDIS Goal: Improve overall health and be more independent with managing her Type 2 diabetes

Challenges:
The participant was struggling to manage her blood sugar levels due to inconsistent meal planning and a lack of understanding about her dietary needs. She also wanted to gain more independence in preparing healthy meals.

Our Approach:

• Conducted a comprehensive nutrition assessment to understand her specific needs.
• Developed a personalised meal plan that balanced her blood sugar levels and included her food preferences.
• Provided practical education sessions to teach the participant how to read food labels, plan balanced meals, and make healthier choices.

Outcome:
Sessions focused on blood sugar management and building her cooking skills, linked to her NDIS goals.

Participant: Boy with autism, 12 years old
NDIS Goal: Improve nutrition to support growth/development through expanding accepted foods and manage food allergies

Challenges:
The participant has multiple food allergies, which made it challenging for his parents to create balanced meals that met his nutritional needs while working with a limited food preferences. They were worried about his growth and overall health.

Our Approach:

• Worked with the participant and his family to identify safe and nutritious food options.
• Created an allergy-friendly meal plan to ensure he received all essential nutrients for his growth and development.
• Provided ongoing support and advice to the family, including tips for dining out and school lunches.

Outcome:
The dietitian worked with his parents on safe ways to widen his food range.

Participant: Gentleman with significant cognitive deficit, 48 years old
NDIS Goal: Improve mobility and achieve a healthy weight

Challenges:
He wanted support with eating and activity to help his mobility. He wanted to lose weight but struggled with portion control and finding healthy, affordable food options.

Our Approach:

• Provided education on portion control, understanding calorie intake, and making healthier food choices.
• Developed a cost-effective meal plan using ingredients that were accessible and within his budget.
• Supported him in setting small, achievable goals to build his confidence.

Outcome:
Support focused on meals and activity that matched his mobility goals.

Participant: Man with vision impairment, 29 years old
NDIS Goal: Improve mental health and overall well-being

Challenges:
The participant experienced poor mental health, including depression and anxiety, which led to irregular eating habits and reliance on processed foods. He struggled with low energy, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.

Our Approach:

• Conducted a detailed dietary assessment to identify gaps in his nutrition.
• Created a meal plan rich in mood-supporting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium.
• Provided practical strategies to help him establish regular meal routines and incorporate fresh, whole foods into his diet.
• We worked collaboratively with his mental health support team to align dietary changes with his overall care plan.

Outcome:
The dietitian worked alongside his mental health team on regular, balanced meals.