How Do I Choose the Best Celiac Support Group?

When choosing a celiac support group, you should consider whether you want to participate in an in-person or online group, the structure and facilitation of a group, and whether the group is intended for individuals with celiac disease or for the parents of those with this condition. You should also determine whether the location of the group and its meeting schedule are convenient. In many cases, it is also wise to ask others about the reputation of any celiac support group that you consider joining. Talk to other people with the condition as well as parents of children with celiac disease and health care professionals before committing to a group.

Celiac disease is a condition that causes a severe intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat rye and barley. As gluten is a common ingredient in many different types of prepared foods, individuals with celiac disease must adhere to a special diet and carefully monitor the ingredients of the food that they eat. For those who have recently been diagnosed with the condition or for parents of children with celiac disease, a celiac support group can be a great way of developing coping strategies and leaning new ways of cooking and eating.

When you receive a diagnosis of celiac disease, you may wish to speak to your doctor, nurse, or nutritionist about the possibility of joining a celiac support group. Any of these health care workers may be able to recommend a good group to you. You may also want to look into an online group, particularly if you have a busy work or life schedule and cannot easily take time off to attend meetings in person. In some cases, hospitals may sponsor a celiac support group. Hospital-based groups can be particularly helpful to those with a new diagnosis, as health professionals affiliated with the hospital may be part of the group's support team.

Make contact with the group's leader prior to attending a meeting to find out about the group's philosophy and structure. Some groups may be peer-led, while others may be facilitated by a medical or mental health professional. You may also want to find out if group meetings contain an educational component, such as information about management of the disease or learning how to substitute gluten-free ingredients in common recipes. In all cases, you should ask whether there is a charge for attending group meetings and whether you will be able to attend some meetings before being asked to make a financial contribution.