During the first year after a celiac disease diagnosis
The following is a general outline of our Celiac Program’s first year.
Initial Outreach
Shortly after your child’s diagnosis, a clinical program coordinator will contact the parent. The coordinator is your primary guide who will:
Provide educational resources and school support forms (such as a 504 plan)
Ensure the first gluten-free diet education session is scheduled
Discuss any specific needs or concerns unique to your family
Nutrition Education (Month 1)
During your child’s first month, you'll connect with a registered dietitian in an individual or group session. This essential visit will give your family the tools needed to help the child succeed on a gluten-free diet.
The dietitian will help identify hidden sources of gluten and plan balanced meals.
The frequency of follow-up visits will be decided together based on your child’s progress and comfort level.
Check-In (Month 3)
At the three-month mark, your coordinator will reach out again to:
Discuss how the transition to a gluten-free diet is going
Identify if any additional resources or support are needed
GI Follow-up Visit (Months 3–6)
The first follow-up with your child’s GI doctor typically occurs 3 to 6 months after diagnosis. These visits continue every 3 to 6 months until symptoms are resolved and antibody levels normalize.
During these appointments, the team will:
Obtain lab work to monitor celiac antibody levels and re-check any previous nutritional deficiencies
Screen for related conditions by possibly checking thyroid levels, screening for Type 1 diabetes antibodies or assessing bone density
Check immunology status to ensure immunity to Hepatitis B
Provide holistic support for those who need help with the emotional impact of a chronic diagnosis with referrals to a psychologist or social worker
Check-in (9 Months)
The coordinator will contact you to ensure your child’s annual GI follow-up is scheduled and to address any new family needs.
Long-Term Monitoring (Annually)
Annual maintenance: Once your child’s antibody levels are stable and he or she is feeling well, they will transition to annual GI visits.
Healing verification: In some cases, the doctor may recommend a surveillance endoscopy to confirm that the small intestine has fully healed.
Your Child's First Year After Diagnosis
Every child is different, but this timeline provides a general overview of what you can expect during your child's first year in the Texas Children's Celiac Disease Program.
Shortly After Diagnosis
Program Coordinator Outreach
Introduce your care team
Provide educational resources and school support forms (e.g., 504 Plan)
Schedule your gluten-free nutrition education visit
Answer questions and discuss your family's needs
Month 1
Nutrition Education Meet with a specialized pediatric dietitian to learn the fundamentals of a healthy gluten-free lifestyle, identify hidden sources of gluten, and develop a nutrition plan tailored to your child.
Month 3
Coordinator Check-In We'll check in to see how your child is adjusting, answer questions, and connect your family with additional resources if needed.
Months 3–6
GI Follow-Up Visit Your child's gastroenterologist will monitor growth, symptoms, healing, and nutritional status, repeat any necessary laboratory tests, and review the ongoing treatment plan.
Month 9
Coordinator Follow-Up We'll help ensure your child's annual follow-up is scheduled and address any new questions or concerns.
Long-Term Care
Once your child's symptoms have improved and celiac disease is well controlled, follow-up visits typically transition to an annual schedule. In selected cases, your physician may recommend a repeat endoscopy to confirm intestinal healing.
