A group of people cooking together in a kitchen during an NDIS dietetic consultation, preparing healthy meals.

NDIS Success Stories:

How NDIS Dietitians  Support Health and Well-being

Jump to Food Allergies Jump to weight Jump to carer education Jump to Mental Health Jump to Tube Feeding

Case Study 1: Supporting Diabetes Management

Participant: Young woman with acquired brain injury, 34 years old
NDIS Goal: Improve overall health and manage 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:
Over six months, the participant achieved better control of her blood sugar levels, improved her energy levels, and gained confidence in cooking independently. She’s now meeting her NDIS goals of improved health and independence.

Case Study 2: Managing Food Allergies

Participant: Boy with autism, 12 years old
NDIS Goal: Improve nutrition to support growth 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. 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 particpant’s parents reported improved energy levels and better growth milestones. The family felt more confident in managing his dietary needs, and his meals became more varied and enjoyable.

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Case Study 3: Weight Management and Independence

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

Challenges:
The participant was overweight, which affected his mobility and overall confidence. 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:
Over 12 months, he lost 15 kilograms, significantly improving his mobility and self-esteem. He’s now able to participate in more physical activities, which aligns with his NDIS goals.

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Case Study 4: Nutrition Education for Carers

Participant: Young woman with downs syndrome, 25 years old
NDIS Goal: Enhance quality of life through better nutrition

Challenges:
The participant’s carers struggled to provide meals that aligned with her dietary needs. She required high-fibre meals to manage her digestive health but often experienced bloating and constipation due to poor meal planning.

Our Approach:

  • Conducted a workshop with the participant’s carers to educate them on her nutritional requirements and meal preparation techniques.
  • Created simple, high-fibre meal ideas and snacks that she enjoyed.
  • Provided ongoing support to ensure the carers felt confident in their ability to meet her needs.

Outcome:
The participant’s digestive health improved significantly, and her carers felt empowered to provide better meals. She also expressed increased satisfaction with her meals, contributing to a higher quality of life.

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Case Study 5: Supporting Mental Health Through Nutrition

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:
Within four months, he reported improved energy levels, more stable moods, and better concentration. His mental health team also noted positive progress, and he felt more in control of his well-being.

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Case Study 6: Tube Feeding Nutrition Support

Participant: Female with aquired brain injury, 17 years old
NDIS Goal: Maintain optimal health and ensure adequate nutrition via tube feeding

Challenges:
Participant required tube feeding due to a medical condition that prevented her from eating orally. Her family was concerned about meeting her nutritional needs and managing her feeding schedule.

Our Approach:

  • Collaborated with participant’s healthcare team to design a tube feeding plan tailored to her energy and nutrient requirements.
  • Educated her family on how to administer feeds, manage equipment, and recognise potential issues such as tube blockages or intolerance.
  • Provided ongoing monitoring and adjustments to her feeding plan to accommodate her growth and changing needs.

Outcome:
The participant’s health remained stable, and she consistently met her nutritional goals. Her family felt confident in managing her tube feeding regimen, which reduced their stress and improved overall quality of life.

Disclaimer: Thes case studies are based on real client experiences at My Nutrition Clinic, recreated from clinical notes and anonymised to protect privacy. While maintaining the authentic journey of their journey,  names and identifying details have been changed.

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Book an NDIS appointment with one of our dietitians below

Tess Prendergast (Nee Hartley) Dietitian

Tess Prendergast
Dietitian

Tess is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who graduated from Griffith University and grew up in Queensland. Tess is passionate about working with people and building trusting relationships by providing accurate nutrition information that helps people reach their goals. Tess is great at making people feel at ease talking about their diet and health goals and is great at explaining how food and nutrition impact health.  Tess has an interest in:

IBS and other gastrointestinal conditions

Weight management

Endometriosis

Women's health

Chronic disease management

Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN)

Book an appointment
Aloysa Hourigan Dietitian

Aloysa Hourigan
Dietitian

Aloysa has over 30 years of experience as a Dietitian and has worked for Nutrition Australia and running her own private practice in Brisbane. In addition to her dietetic qualifications, Aloysa has a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from the Queensland University of Technology.

Having a counseling qualification alongside expertise in nutrition and food has led Aloysa to focus on the area of eating disorders and has a great deal of compassion and experience providing support for long-term recovery

Specialist areas:

Eating disorders

Gut disorders

Food intolerances

Book an appointment