Hello everyone, my name is Melanie Bouras, I grew up in Melbourne, but moved to Queensland for a short time, where I completed my Dietetics qualification at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. I graduated in 2008 and moved back to Melbourne, where I became a Paediatric Dietitian, specialising in the management of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Very early in my Dietetic journey I came across children with severe eating deficits. I felt ill-equipped to help these children and their families. I realised I needed more knowledge and skills to help children with restricted diets. I attended many paediatric feeding conferences, presentations and workshops, including the SOS Approach to Feeding training. I have also, had the amazing opportunity to work very closely with Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists for 9 years in a Paediatric Feeding Clinic, where I developed the expertise to help children with eating and feeding problems.

My passion therefore lies in the management of selective or picking eating. I am highly skilled at ensuring that children with a restricted dietary intake not only meet their nutritional requirements, but also learn how to introduce new foods into their diet. I understand that the sensory properties of food can be very overwhelming for children with Autism, resulting in; mealtime distress, gagging, tears and food refusal. I work closely with parents/ guardians/ carers to establish the right strategies to ensure that eating and meal times are less stressful for all.

Another area near and dear to my heart is paediatric weight management. I take a very gentle approach when assessing and providing education. And I will work very closely with your family to achieve your health and wellbeing goals through appropriate diet modification using a family-centred approach.

Lastly, I am also very experienced in managing children with coeliac disease, food intolerances and allergies, nutrient deficiencies, poor weight gain and slow growth.

I love that I can help families and children achieve their best health outcomes, and I hope that I can also help you and your family.

I look forward to meeting with you online!