Celiac Disease Clinic

Phoenix Children’s provides comprehensive celiac testing and care for children with celiac disease.

Celiac disease damages the small intestine. The disease is triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Most children with celiac disease have abdominal symptoms such as belly pain, bloating and constipation, although some have no symptoms at all. The disease can lead to growth problems and difficulty gaining weight. We understand these challenges and can help set up your child for a long and healthy future – ideally, symptom-free.

The first step is a clear understanding of whether your child has celiac disease or simply a gluten sensitivity. Symptoms differ for each person. The symptoms of being gluten intolerant are similar to signs of celiac disease. Some patients with celiac disease are symptom-free, or they have symptoms that aren’t gastrointestinal (GI).

Your child’s pediatrician is the best place to start for a screening. Typically, an endoscopy is the only way to accurately diagnose celiac disease. If the pediatrician is concerned your child may have celiac disease, or if you want a second opinion, ask them for a referral to our clinic.

What to Expect at the Celiac Disease Clinic

The cure for celiac disease is eating gluten-free foods. If the patient strictly avoids gluten, they can live a completely normal life. Carefully following a gluten-free diet every day is the only available celiac disease treatment.

The providers in the Celiac Disease Clinic know first-hand that this can be challenging. We understand because we live with celiac disease, too. But the good news is that a gluten-free diet works. Eliminating gluten from your child’s diet lets the intestine heal. Symptoms typically go away within a few months.

Our compassionate team at the Celiac Disease Clinic will provide the resources you need to prepare your child for a lifetime of success. Celiac disease is a life-long condition.

We can support your family to help your child experience the best possible health – for life.

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental well-being, we can refer you to a psychologist who can help. Our goal is to treat the whole child and ensure all aspects of their physical, emotional and mental health are addressed with personalized, high-quality care.

After Diagnosing Celiac Disease

Once we confirm your child has celiac disease, our thorough education program begins. Your family will have a follow-up appointment (perhaps over Zoom) with a dietitian from the Celiac Disease Clinic. We encourage participation from parents, the child and any other caregiver who regularly feeds the child. This comprehensive and personalized appointment is a great chance for you and your child to ask questions. Your family will learn how to avoid gluten from a registered dietitian who also lives with celiac disease.

We can connect you to a local chapter of Generation GF , a national program for kids living gluten-free. Generation GF offers a support group, family events and educational resources.

Providers in our clinic also can help your family secure a 504 plan for a gluten-free diet at their school. 

Ongoing Support for Teens and Young Adults

If your child was diagnosed at a young age, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our dietitians during the teen years. Teenagers often make independent food choices and eat away from home, so we want to ensure they have a solid understanding of how and why they should adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. As they enter young adulthood, we can offer them tips about making smart food choices – and cooking gluten-free – on their own.

Risk Factors for Celiac Disease

There are a number of other conditions commonly seen in patients with celiac disease. Type 1 diabetes is the most common risk factor. Other conditions that increase the risk of celiac disease include: 

  • Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
  • Williams syndrome – A rare genetic disorder that causes distinct facial features, heart problems and developmental delays
  • Turner syndrome
  • First-degree relatives with celiac – A child with a parent or sibling with celiac disease has a higher chance of inheriting the condition

If your child is in one of these high-risk categories – particularly if your child has symptoms after eating foods with gluten – speak with your child’s pediatrician about further testing or a referral to our clinic.