Aug 7, 2025 RWJBarnabas Health Expert Shares Tips to Navigate Raising a Child with Celiac Disease

group of small children

August 7, 2025 - When your child is diagnosed with celiac disease, your journey together takes an unexpected turn. Suddenly, everyday routines like family meals, school lunches and birthday parties come with a layer of concern. However, with knowledge and planning, celiac disease can become manageable.

Understanding Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the ingestion of gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye – triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. For children, this can mean a range of symptoms from abdominal pain and diarrhea to fatigue, irritability or even delayed growth. While the diagnosis may be overwhelming at first, it is also the key to healing.

The only current treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. While a lifelong gluten-free diet can sound intimidating when gluten is hidden in so many foods, with time and education, it becomes second nature. Ashwin Agrawal, DO, Medical Director of the Pediatric Celiac Disease Center, part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health offers these tips for where a parent can start:

  • Family mealtimes become a new opportunity to explore new and fresh ingredients, discover new gluten free cuisines and even develop an appreciation for reading food labels.
  • Living with a dietary restriction can feel isolating or unfair. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings without judgement. Help your child find joy in the foods they can eat. Surround them with a community that can help them feel understood such as other kids with celiac disease or support groups.
  • Together learn how to read food labels. This will teach your child to ask questions and make healthy choices.
  • Continue to follow-up with your celiac disease team to ensure your child’s disease resolves and that the gluten free diet doesn’t cause vitamin deficiencies. You should also ensure that your child is screened for other autoimmune diseases which can be common with celiac disease.

The Pediatric Celiac Disease Center, at RWJBarnabas Health is the only one of its kind offering multidisciplinary care for children in New Jersey, bringing together celiac experts including the pediatric gastroenterologist, registered dietician, psychologists and social workers. The center has been recognized by the Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (SSCD) and is one of only ten centers with this designation in the United States demonstrating our commitment and excellence in the care of children with celiac disease.

An upcoming free hybrid event at the LiveWell Center will help prepare students with celiac disease to go back to school safely, featuring expert speakers and an optional hands-on cooking segment. Learn more.

More information about the Pediatric Celiac Disease Center.