The gut-brain connection is a buzz-phrase these days – with good reason. Next to the brain, the gut is the most sensitive organ that can affect feelings, emotions and mental health. Your gut is actually lined with neurons which can communicate directly with the brain via the vagus nerve. For this reason, some professionals are calling it ‘the second brain’.

People of all ages with FASD can encounter a range of eating challenges which can include difficulties with appetite regulation, sensory processing and executive function. This can result in issues such as constipation, micronutrient deficiencies, growth faltering or excess weight gain.

Presenter Juanita Cross will talk through what a healthy eating pattern might look like, discuss evidenced-informed strategies to support development of healthy eating behaviours, and share tips and tricks for improving gut health where sensory and behavioural challenges are at play.

About Juanita

Juanita is a NZ Registered Dietitian Prescriber who started her career in general community dietetics – including lots of work with neurodiverse children, growth faltering, childhood obesity and selective eating. She has also worked in the Waikato Regional Diabetes Service, with a focus on diabetes in pregnancy and pregnancy nutrition.

Juanita is now working privately, specialising in trauma-informed, size-inclusive care to support improved relationships with food. She has a keen interest in neurodiversity, gut health, perinatal and childhood nutrition.