The gluten-free diet isn’t just a diet trend or a food preference—it’s required for a serious autoimmune condition called celiac disease.

Celiac disease in children affects about 1 in 100 people, and can have lifelong consequences if not managed properly. For children and their parents, the diagnosis can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even isolating.

That’s why I invited Gaby Thompson, a registered dietitian and celiac family support coach (and a mom to a child with celiac disease), onto The Nourished Child podcast to break it all down for us. Gaby brings not only her clinical expertise, but her personal insight as a parent raising a child with celiac disease.

In this episode, we dive into what celiac is, how it differs from gluten intolerance and wheat allergy, and how to manage it without panic—or panic-inducing restriction.

If your child is newly diagnosed, or you’re wondering if gluten might be the culprit behind tummy troubles, growth delays, or other symptoms, this episode is for you.

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is not a food allergy—it’s an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye). When a child with celiac eats gluten, their body mistakenly attacks the small intestine, damaging the tiny villi that absorb nutrients. The result? Poor nutrient absorption, potential growth issues, and a host of other symptoms.

“It’s the only autoimmune disease with a known trigger—gluten.” —Gaby Thompson, RD

While gluten intolerance causes discomfort, and wheat allergies cause an immune response, celiac disease causes long-term intestinal damage if left untreated.

What Are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Kids?

Symptoms can vary widely by age and may even be subtle or nonexistent, making celiac difficult to spot. Here are some common signs:

• Chronic stomach pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue or low energy
• Poor growth or delayed puberty
  Iron deficiency anemia
• Irritability (especially in younger kids)
• Discolored or damaged tooth enamel
• Skin rashes or neurological symptoms like headaches or mood issues

In some children, the signs are quiet—but the damage may still be happening internally. This is why Gaby emphasizes early detection and trusting your parental instincts when something seems off.

Getting a Diagnosis: What Parents Should Know

Celiac disease is diagnosed through blood work and an intestinal biopsy, and children must be eating gluten at the time of testing for the results to be accurate.

Here’s what Gaby recommends:

1. Don’t remove gluten before testing – this can skew results.
2. Ask your pediatrician for a referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist.
3. If the blood test is positive, your provider may recommend a biopsy or genetic testing for confirmation.

Managing Celiac Disease: It’s All About the Diet

Once diagnosed, the only current treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet for life. This means avoiding:

• Wheat, barley, rye, and traditional oats (they may be contaminated with gluten during processing)
• Many processed and packaged foods
• Hidden sources of gluten, like soy sauce, broths, salad dressings, and even some candies

“Reading food labels becomes second nature—but it’s a learning curve in the beginning,” Gaby shares.

She recommends:

• Starting with whole foods: fruits, vegetables, gluten-free grains, lean proteins
• Looking for fortified gluten-free products
• Adding a multivitamin to fill in nutritional gaps
  

Nutrients of Concern on a Gluten-Free Diet

Kids with celiac disease are at higher risk for nutrient deficiencies, especially around the time of diagnosis when the gut is still healing. Common deficiencies include:

• Iron
• Zinc
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• B vitamins (B6, B12, folate)

Low fiber intake is also common, so Gaby recommends incorporating fiber-rich gluten-free foods like lentils, brown rice, quinoa, and veggies.

Tips for Gluten-Free Living with Kids

Managing celiac can be overwhelming at first, but Gaby emphasizes the “abundance approach”—focusing on what your child can eat, rather than what’s off limits.

Here are some of her tips:

• Decide as a family: Will your home be 100% gluten-free or a shared kitchen (containing both gluten and gluten-free options)?
• Empower your child with age-appropriate education and books that explain celiac disease
• Pack snacks and safe meals for social situations (birthday parties, playdates, etc.)
• Be prepared: Keep a stash of gluten-free staples your child enjoys

Gaby’s go-to kid-friendly gluten-free snacks include:

• Popcorn with olive oil and salt
• Homemade oatmeal energy bites
• Cucumber slices with cheese cubes
• Gluten-free muffins
• Cut-up fruit with a dip

Encouragement for Parents

“A new diagnosis is scary—but with time, you’ll become confident in managing it,” Gaby reassures.

Yes, there’s a learning curve. But no, your child is not doomed to miss out. Gluten-free options have expanded tremendously, and your child can still have a fun, flavorful, and nutritious diet.

Resources from Gaby Thompson

Gaby offers support for families navigating this new lifestyle:

• Free Download: My 4-Step Strategy for Parents of Newly Diagnosed Celiac Kids
  
• Join her Facebook community: Gluten-Free Made Easy for Celiac Kids
  

Other helpful resources:

• R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids) – National Celiac Association
• Beyond Celiac – Celiac Straight Talk Podcast
• Celiac Disease Foundation
• Boston Children’s Hospital – Raising Celiac Podcast
  

Final Thoughts

If your child is newly diagnosed with celiac disease, or you suspect it may be an issue, you are not alone. There’s a community of support and growing awareness—plus more gluten-free foods and options than ever before.

Take it one step at a time, lean on professionals like Gaby, and trust that with time, confidence will replace fear.

Listen to the Podcast!

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