Paediatric dietetics supports children with fussy eating, growth concerns and medical conditions that affect nutrition. This guide explains what to expect, typical costs and NDIS funding, and how to choose the right dietitian in Darwin — including the providers featured on this page.
Early Start Australia Durack offers occupational therapy and speech and language pathology for children and young adults (birth to 13 years), with early intervention programs like ESDM, AAC, DIR/Floortime, school readiness, and social skills groups. Services delivered in clinic, via telehealth, and mobile in-home/school/community/remote visits.
Darwin-based team of six Accredited Practising Dietitians offering paediatric nutrition among other services, face-to-face at Casuarina, Yarrawonga, and Stuart Park clinics or via telehealth across NT/Australia. No referral needed; NDIS clients accepted; appointments usually available within 1–2 weeks.
Darwin Nutrition & Dietetics Clinic offers medical nutrition therapy and dietetics services to adults, children and families across Darwin and Palmerston, with individual consults and specialist bariatric services. No NDIS, telehealth, or waitlist details specified.
Early Start Australia Fannie Bay offers speech pathology and occupational therapy for children birth to 13 years (broader services to 16 years), including allied health assistants and group programs. Services delivered in-clinic, via telehealth, and in home, school, and community settings across Darwin, Palmerston and rural NT.
My Therapy Crew Darwin offers OT, physiotherapy, speech pathology, positive behaviour support, dietetics, and allied health assistant services for all ages, supporting NDIS plans. Intake forms register interest; contact made once availability arises, indicating a waitlist.
Darwin/NT-based Accredited Practising Dietitians offering paediatric nutrition among other services, face-to-face (Casuarina, Yarrawonga, Stuart Park) and telehealth across NT/Australia. No referral required, accepts NDIS, DVA, private health. Appointments usually within 1–2 weeks.
CDU Health Hub offers affordable psychological assessment and therapy to the general community, delivered by Faculty of Health students under supervision of experienced professionals across the lifespan; no specific ages, NDIS, telehealth, or waitlist details mentioned.
CDU Health Hub provides occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, and dietetics services across the lifespan, delivered by supervised university students under qualified professionals. Services are low or no cost, based in NT locations, no specific paediatric age range, NDIS registration, or telehealth mentioned.
A paediatric dietitian is a university-qualified health professional who assesses a child's nutrition, growth and eating patterns, then works with the family on a practical plan. For children, this is quite different to adult dietetics — it takes into account growth, development, sensory issues, family routines and the way children learn to eat.
Common reasons families see a paediatric dietitian include:
Every child goes through fussy phases, but it may be worth seeking support if you notice:
If you're worried about your child's growth or a medical symptom, see your GP or paediatrician first — this guide is general information, not medical advice.
Dietitians work with children of all ages, from infants (including introducing solids and formula issues) through toddlers, primary-school kids and teenagers. Early support during the toddler and preschool years often gets the best results for fussy eating, but it's never too late to seek help.
A first appointment usually runs 45–60 minutes. The dietitian will typically:
It helps to bring a food diary, your child's health record (blue book in the NT), and any recent test results.
In Australia, a paediatric dietetics session generally ranges from about $180 to $250 for a standard consultation, with initial assessments sometimes higher. The NDIS sets price caps for registered providers, so the exact amount can vary — always confirm fees before you book.
Under the NDIS, dietetics usually sits within Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. If dietetics is a reasonable and necessary support related to your child's disability, funds from this budget can be used for assessments, sessions and reports. Self-managed and plan-managed families can generally see both NDIS-registered and non-registered dietitians; agency-managed (NDIA-managed) plans must use registered providers.
Outside the NDIS, you may be able to access a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan through your GP (up to five allied health visits per calendar year, shared across providers), or use private health extras. Ask about rebates and gap fees.
This page features several Darwin and NT providers, including Early Start Australia (Durack and Fannie Bay), Dietitians NT (Casuarina and Yarrawonga), Darwin Nutrition & Dietetics Clinic, My Therapy Crew (Berrimah), and CDU health services. When comparing them, consider:
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you find the right fit for your child and family, and avoids surprises around cost and availability.
Or read the full paediatric dietetics guide, or browse all Darwin providers.
You don't need a referral to see a private dietitian. However, a referral is required if you want to use a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan through your GP, and your NDIS plan or paediatrician's notes can be helpful to bring along.
Dietetics usually falls under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. If it's a reasonable and necessary support linked to your child's disability, funds may cover assessments and sessions. Confirm your plan management type, as agency-managed plans require NDIS-registered providers.
As a general guide, sessions in Australia range from around $180 to $250, with initial assessments sometimes higher. NDIS price caps apply for registered providers. Always confirm fees, gap costs and any cancellation charges before booking, as prices vary.
A dietitian focuses on nutrition, growth and the range of foods your child eats. A speech pathologist or OT often handles the physical or sensory side of feeding, such as chewing, textures and oral-motor skills. Many children benefit from both working together.
Yes — many Darwin dietitians offer video appointments, which can suit families in remote parts of the NT or for follow-up sessions. Ask each provider whether telehealth is available and whether they prefer an initial in-person visit.