Paediatric dietitians help children eat well — whether your child is a fussy eater, has allergies, a medical condition, or simply isn't growing as expected. This guide explains what to expect, how much it costs, and how NDIS funding can help, plus practical tips for choosing a provider in Melbourne.
General physiotherapy clinic in Glen Iris, VIC offering physiotherapy, dietitian/nutrition, remedial massage, myotherapy and clinical Pilates. No explicit mention of paediatric services, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlists; serves general population across Malvern East, Glen Iris and Ashburton.
Melbourne-based (South Yarra) dietitian-nutritionist and hypnotherapist offering fussy eating and ARFID feeding coaching for children and families, plus hypnotherapy for adults and older children with food-related distress. Services offered in-rooms and online (telehealth). No NDIS registration or waitlist mentioned.
Melbourne-based NDIS provider offering early childhood therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, allied health assistance, and referrals for dietetics, psychology and physiotherapy. Serves children across northern, south-east, inner-eastern and western Melbourne with immediate capacity; currently taking new referrals.
South Melbourne dietetic practice led by APD Jordan Psomopoulos, offering clinical nutrition for paediatric and adult patients, including allergies, GI disorders, weight management. Telehealth video call sessions available; accepts Medicare, NDIS, TAC, private health rebates.
Eltham-based Accredited Practising Dietitians offering dietetics/nutrition consultations including NDIS nutrition support for plan and self-managed participants, sports nutrition, and disability/developmental delay support. Offers telehealth and face-to-face sessions. No paediatric age range or waitlist specified.
Registered NDIS provider offering dietetics services via home visits, clinic appointments (Dandenong, Fridays), and telehealth across Australia. Supports NDIS, aged care, and private clients with clinical, gut health, weight management, food intolerance, and sports nutrition. Medicare rebates and private health claims accepted.
Melbourne CBD multidisciplinary practice offering Speech Pathology, OT, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dietetics, Allied Health Assistance, Positive Behaviour Support, and NDIS Support Coordination/Plan Management for children, including babies. NDIS-funded services mentioned; no explicit ages, telehealth, or waitlist details given.
Mill Park, VIC provider offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy and NDIS-ECEI early intervention (key worker model) for children, including feeding therapy (SOS approach), home modifications, and equipment prescription. AHPRA registered therapists; centre-based and home/community visits across Hume and Whittlesea areas.
A paediatric dietitian is a university-qualified health professional who assesses a child's eating, growth and nutrition, then works with the family on a practical plan. Unlike general nutrition advice, paediatric dietetics is tailored to a child's developmental stage, medical needs and the realities of family life.
Common areas of support include:
Many feeding issues involve more than one professional. Some Melbourne clinics offer speech, OT and dietetics together, which can make it easier to coordinate care.
Every child goes through fussy phases, but it may be worth seeking help if your child:
If you're worried about growth, breathing during feeding, or sudden weight loss, speak to your GP or paediatrician first — some issues need medical review before dietetic support.
Paediatric dietitians work with children from infancy (including introducing solids and formula concerns) right through to adolescence. The approach changes with age — play-based strategies for toddlers, and more collaborative goal-setting with older children and teens.
A first session usually runs 45–60 minutes. The dietitian will typically:
From there they'll suggest a plan, which might include practical mealtime strategies, food substitutions, supplement advice, or a referral to another professional. Bring your child's health record (the blue book), any recent test results, and a list of foods your child currently eats and avoids.
As a general guide, private dietetics appointments in Australia often range from around $120 to $250+ for an initial consult, with reviews usually shorter and cheaper. The NDIS sets price caps for registered providers, so fees can differ from private rates — always confirm current pricing directly with the clinic, as these figures are indicative only and change over time.
Under the NDIS, dietetics is generally funded through Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living (often referred to as the therapy budget). To use NDIS funds, your child needs an eligible plan, and dietetic support should relate to their disability-related needs. If you're self-managed or plan-managed, you can often see non-registered providers; NDIA-managed plans generally require an NDIS-registered provider. You may also be able to access some sessions through Medicare with a GP Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan — ask your GP whether your child qualifies.
This page features Melbourne clinics including Words Made Alive (Essendon), Language For Life and Nurture Speech & Feeding Therapy (CBD), Sum Of Us Kids Therapy Hub (Yarraville), Early Start Australia (Brighton and Hawthorn), Offspring – Child Health Specialists (Hawthorn) and others across the city. When comparing options, look at:
A good provider will answer these clearly and won't pressure you to commit before you're ready.
Or read the full paediatric dietetics guide, or browse all Melbourne providers.
An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is a university-qualified, regulated professional who can provide clinical nutrition care, including for medical conditions. The title 'nutritionist' isn't regulated in the same way. For children with medical or feeding needs, look for an APD registered with Dietitians Australia.
Yes, if your child has an eligible NDIS plan and the support relates to their disability needs. Dietetics usually comes from the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. Self-managed and plan-managed participants have more flexibility with provider choice, while agency-managed plans generally require an NDIS-registered provider. Confirm details with your provider and plan manager.
As a general guide, initial consults in Australia often range from around $120 to $250+, with shorter reviews costing less. NDIS price caps apply for registered providers, so rates can differ. These figures are indicative only — always confirm current pricing with the clinic before booking.
You don't need a referral to see a private dietitian, though your GP or paediatrician may recommend one. A referral is needed if you're accessing subsidised sessions through a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan, so it's worth speaking to your GP about options.
Fussy eating is common and often a normal phase. It may be worth seeking support if your child eats a very limited range of foods, is dropping foods without adding new ones, isn't growing well, or shows distress at meals. If you're concerned about growth or weight, see your GP or paediatrician first, as some issues need medical review.