How to Access NDIS Dietitian Services

Understanding nutrition can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also navigating disability supports, personal health goals, or a busy care schedule. But the right guidance can change everything. If you or someone you support is a NDIS participant, you might be eligible to work with an NDIS Dietitian, a qualified nutrition expert who can help make food feel simpler, safer, and more supportive of your overall wellbeing.

Here’s a gentle, step-by-step guide to getting started.

What Is an NDIS Dietitian and How Can They Help?

An Dietitian is someone who really understands how food and health are connected and how those connections can look different for everyone. They’re university-qualified professionals trained to help people living with disability eat well, feel better, and build more independence around food.

But it’s not about strict diets or being told what to eat. It’s about your life, your goals, and your comfort.

They can support you with things like:

• Meal planning that fits your sensory needs or routines
  
• Feeding support for children who have aversions to certain textures or flavours
  
• Supporting people with swallowing difficulties or medical conditions like diabetes, and guiding food choices to suit their needs
  
• Creating easy, manageable strategies for food shopping or cooking at home
  
• Teaching carers and support workers how to help with meals
  

Every session is shaped around what matters most to you. No pressure, no shame. Just expert help in a way that feels doable and kind.

Step 1: Look at Your NDIS Plan

The first step is checking your NDIS plan to see if you have funding for dietitian support. The most common categories are:

• Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building) which is where most dietitian services are funded
  
• Core Supports can fund things like meal preparation or nutrition products recommended by your dietitian.

Not sure what to look for? Don’t worry. A Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help you figure out what’s included and what’s possible. 

At Holistic Me, we often help families and participants understand their plan before they even book a session. It’s part of our care-first approach.

Step 2: Do You Need a Referral?

In most cases, no referral is needed to see an NDIS Dietitian. That said, if you’re working with a GP, support coordinator, OT, or speech pathologist, they might refer you if your dietary needs connect with other therapies, and some dietitians may also request one for complex support.

If you’re ever unsure, just ask. A friendly provider like our team at Holistic Me will happily guide you through the process without jargon or judgment.

Step 3: Find the Right Dietitian for You

Your choice of dietitian depends on how your plan is managed:

• If your plan is NDIA-managed, you’ll need to choose an NDIS-registered provider
  
• If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed, you can choose from a wider range including unregistered but qualified professionals
  

What matters most is finding someone you feel comfortable with. Someone who listens, explains things clearly, and has experience with your needs. 

For example, if your child has sensory feeding difficulties, look for a dietitian with paediatric experience. If you have a health condition, find someone who understands how food and medicine interact.

At Holistic Me, we take the time to match each client with a dietitian who fits not just professionally, but personally. It’s one of the reasons many of our clients feel at ease from day one.

Step 4: Book Your Appointment and Set Real Goals

When you’re ready, our receptionist will book your initial consultation. This is a relaxed chat with your dietitian, where they’ll get to know your health background, daily routine, and what you’d like support with.

Together, you’ll decide on clear, achievable goals like:

• Eating more variety
  
• Feeling confident cooking simple meals
  
• Managing a food-related health issue
  
• Gaining more independence with food shopping or prep
  

You’re always in the driver’s seat. Nothing is forced, and everything is done at your pace.

Step 5: Keep Track and Adjust As You Grow

Once you begin, your dietitian will check in regularly to see how you’re going. They’ll track your progress, share helpful resources, and write easy-to-read reports if needed for your NDIS plan review.

This isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a gentle journey that adapts as your needs change. You may find over time that you become more confident, more independent, or even discover new food routines that work better for you.

The right support doesn’t just change how you eat. It can change how you feel. Stronger, calmer, and more in control of your everyday life.

Why an NDIS Dietitian Can Make All the Difference

Working with an NDIS Dietitian is one of the most empowering steps you can take. Whether you’re supporting a child, caring for a loved one, or seeking help for yourself, the right nutrition guidance can make life feel lighter and more manageable.

At Holistic Me, we believe food support should never be stressful. It should feel human, hopeful, and tailored to who you are.Ready to explore the next step? Contact us. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Start with a conversation and let’s go from there, together.