Moving to a new country, starting at a new school and making new friends can be an exciting and yet daunting time for new students and their families. For parents of children with coeliac disease who require a strict, medically diagnosed, gluten free diet, it can be an even more stressful and anxious time. That is where the Coeliac Disease Support Group can help.
About Us
The AIS Coeliac Disease Support Group is a small and welcoming group of parents with family member/s who have Coeliac Disease.
The support group meets approximately four times a year or on an individual needs basis. We exchange information on:
- Where to shop for gluten free foods: supermarket tours
- How to read food labels (Singapore does not abide by WHO food labeling guidelines)
- Cooking demonstrations (helpers included)
- Sharing recipes
- Staying informed about new gluten free products and research
- Catering for those on a gluten free diet: school lunch boxes, school camps, canteen, school parties and playdates
- Eating out in Singapore
- Translation cards for international and regional travel
- Personal recommendations of doctors, where to stay on holidays etc.
What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 people in Australia today.
A permanent, autoimmune disorder, it is caused by a total intolerance (not allergy) to gluten which is found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. It is difficult to ascertain if a certain food product is gluten free or not. For example, most corn flakes and rice crackers contain wheat or derivates of wheat and are therefore unsafe for people with CD to eat.
This intolerance causes the body to produce antibodies which in turn damage the lining of the small bowel. This makes it impossible for the bowel to do its normal job of absorbing the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients we need from the food we eat. Blood tests (coeliac serology) are used to initially screen for coeliac disease. A diagnosis of coeliac disease can only be made by small bowel biopsy and the only treatment available at this time is to follow a strict gluten free diet under medical supervision.
Coeliac disease is very common, yet many people still don’t know about it. In fact, there are nearly twice as many Australians living with coeliac disease as there are living with Type 1 Diabetes or breast cancer.
Before commencing at AIS
- Make an appointment with the AIS Nurses to discuss your child's requirements
Upon commencing at AIS
- Provide a supply of gluten free cupcakes to store in freezer for birthdays / class parties
- Discuss ‘no sharing of food’ with your child/ren
Websites
Coeliac Society of Australia - www.coeliacsociety.com.au