Social and emotional challenges in children with coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system and the ability to process gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is estimated that 1% of the population worldwide has coeliac disease, and it can be diagnosed at any age, including childhood. Living with coeliac disease can be challenging for anyone, but it can be particularly difficult for children.
Children with coeliac disease face limited food choices since they cannot eat foods that contain gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye. This means that they need to avoid many common foods, such as bread, pasta, and baked goods. This can make it challenging for parents to find foods that their child will eat and that are safe for them to consume.
Moreover, children may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies since coeliac disease can make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially in children who need more nutrients for growth and development.
It can be difficult for children comply with a gluten-free diet and to understand why they need to follow a strict gluten-free diet and may inadvertently consume gluten-containing foods. This can lead to symptoms and damage to the small intestine, which can affect their growth and development.
Living with a chronic condition like coeliac disease can be emotionally challenging, and children may struggle with feelings of frustration, anger, or sadness related to their condition. Moreover, children with coeliac disease may feel left out or isolated in social situations, such as at school or parties, where they cannot eat the same foods as their peers. This can be particularly difficult for young children who may not understand why they can't eat certain foods. Coping with these emotional and social problems involves a combination of education, support, and self-care.
It is important for children to understand what coeliac disease is, how it affects their body, and why they need to follow a gluten-free diet. Educating your child about coeliac disease can help them feel more in control of their condition and reduce feelings of confusion or isolation.
Seek out other families with children who have coeliac disease. They can offer support, advice, and understanding, and help your child feel less alone. You can find local support groups or connect with others online.
Involve your children in meal planning and preparation by encouraging them to help with planning and preparing meals. This can help them feel more in control of their diet and increase their confidence in managing their condition.
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety. It is also essential to provide emotional support. Be there to listen and validate your child's feelings. Let them express their frustrations or concerns about their condition, and offer reassurance and support.
Despite all these efforts, if your child is struggling with anxiety or depression related to their coeliac disease, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional. They can provide support and strategies for managing emotions and coping with the challenges of coeliac disease.
Further reading
1) Hollén, E., Hellström, P. M., & Sundelin, C. (2015). Children with celiac disease have social difficulties despite regular dietary therapy. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 61(4), 371-376.
2) El-Matary, W., & Jackson, R. (2019). Celiac disease in children: a review of recent advances in understanding, diagnosis, and management. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 68(1), 4-14.
3) Celiac Disease Foundation. (2021). Emotional Health. https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/emotional-health/