Paediatric Dietitian Gold Coast

Meet Trent Barea, Paediatric Specialist Dietitian

At MNT Diagnostics, we understand that nutrition during childhood sets the foundation for lifelong health. That’s why we offer highly specialised paediatric dietetic care led by Trent Barea APD, one of the few dietitians in Australia trained in Nutrition Diagnostics for children.

Trent brings a compassionate, family-centred approach to every consultation, supporting children and their families with practical, evidence-based guidance that prioritises growth, development, and quality of life. He is known for creating a positive and empowering environment for kids and parents alike, while delivering clinical assessments and interventions backed by the latest tools in diagnostic nutrition.

Whether your child is experiencing fussy eating, struggling with growth, navigating complex conditions, or has unique dietary needs, Trent is here to help.

Conditions and Areas We Support

Paediatric Weight Management and Metabolic Health

Trent specialises in working with children who are above or below their ideal weight. Using a positive, non-shaming approach, we help families understand what’s driving changes in body composition and use Nutrition Diagnostics to guide individualised care plans. This allows for confident, data-informed decisions that prioritise your child’s long-term health and self-esteem.

Growth and Fussy Eating

Many children struggle with growth or restricted food variety due to many things such as ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), sensory sensitivities, or just general fussiness. We address these issues with a structured, supportive approach that encourages gradual improvement in intake, nutrition, and food confidence. We utilise nutrition diagnostic tools to supply parents with confidence and direction. No matter what is driving your child's fussy eating or growth concerns, our priority is to ensure they are safe, nourished and supported.

ADHD, and Autism Spectrum

Trent loves to work with neurodivergent children, including those with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, who often experience challenges with food textures, variety, and appetite regulation. Our approach is neurodivergent-aware and adapted to each child’s sensory and behavioural needs. Trent utilises nutrition diagnostics to guide therapeutic diet and nutraceutical prescription aimed at improving your child's quality of life, development. Trent loves helping neurodivergent kids thrive.

Tube Feeding (Paediatrics)

Trent supports children who are enterally fed, whether via a nasogastric (NG) tube or gastrostomy (PEG/J). We provide specialised nutrition therapy, monitor growth, and assist families in navigating care plans through both acute and long-term needs.

Food Intolerances and Allergies

From persistent tummy aches to medically diagnosed allergies, we help families manage restricted diets safely and confidently. We work with families to ensure nutritional adequacy and reduce the stress of meal planning when options feel limited.

Infant Feeding

Feeding difficulties in infancy—such as cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), reflux, unsettled behaviour, or refusal to feed—can be incredibly stressful for parents. Our paediatric specialist dietitian provides calm, evidence-based guidance to help identify the cause and support both feeding and growth. We work closely with families to create feeding plans that are gentle, practical, and tailored to your baby’s needs.

PANS/PANDAS 

PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (a subtype linked to streptococcal infections) is an underdiagnosed condition that can cause sudden, intense changes in a child’s behaviour, mood, eating, and cognitive function. Many families find these episodes frightening and overwhelming. Trent Barea APD, specialises in supporting children with PANS/PANDAS using an individualised approach that considers the unique nutritional challenges these children may face—including food restriction, inflammation, immune system dysfunction, and gut dysfunction. Trent uses advanced nutrition diagnostics to guide therapeutic diets and targeted nutraceutical prescriptions—supporting your child’s immune system, gut health, and overall nutrition through both flare-ups and recovery. His approach is practical, evidence-informed, and tailored to help stabilise intake, reduce stress at mealtimes, and ensure your child gets the nourishment they need during this complex condition.

What Makes Our Approach Different

We are proud to offer a paediatric dietetic service that is both clinically advanced and family-focused.

  • Nutrition Diagnostics for Children: Trent is one of the few paediatric dietitians in Australia trained to use diagnostic tools like Metabolism Scan, DEXA scanning and BIS analysis for children. This means your child’s care is informed by precise data, not guesswork.

  • Specialist Care in Rare and Complex Conditions: From tube feeding to metabolic health to PANS/PANDAS, Trent provides support for issues that are often unavailable elsewhere.

  • Empowering, Positive Care: We take a practical and encouraging approach to paediatric nutrition—one that builds trust with both children and their families.

Our G.a.F Program (Growth and Fussy Eating)

The G.a.F Program is a dedicated service developed by Trent Barea APD for children who are meeting any of the below points:

  • Struggling to grow consistently or underweight

  • Avoiding or restricting food 

  • Very limited food variety due to fussy eating

  • Have suspected or diagnosed ARFID

  • Have suspected or diagnosed ADHD or ASD

This program is tailored to the unique needs of each child, using a combination of nutrition diagnostics, food exposure strategies, and family support. The goal is to gently expand intake, improve growth and nourishment, and reduce stress around mealtimes.

We utilise nutrition diagnostic tools to supply parents with confidence and direction. No matter what is driving your child's fussy eating or growth concerns, our priority is to ensure they are safe, nourished and supported.

Working With the NDIS

We regularly support families accessing dietetic services through the NDIS, whether self-managed or plan-managed. Dietetic support can be included in your child’s plan under:

  • Improved Daily Living

  • Core Supports (for tube feeding and complex nutrition needs)

Our services can support feeding difficulties, growth monitoring, enteral nutrition planning, neurodivergence, food variety, and more. We’re also able to provide documentation and reports to assist with plan reviews, ongoing funding and for those who are applying to the NDIS/NDIA.

 

Booking and Referrals

We accept a variety of funding options, including Medicare care plans, private health insurance, DVA, NDIS, and NIISQ. You do not need a referral to see our Paediatric Specialist Dietitian, Trent Barea. Families are welcome to book directly with us for an initial consultation.

Simply call our reception on 1300 531 940 or book an initial consultation online.

We also welcome referrals from GPs, paediatricians, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other health professionals. Contact our reception or complete an e-referral form to get started. Your child may be eligible for a limited amount of medicare rebates if they are supplied with a Chronic Disease Management Plan (EPC) by either their GP or Paediatrician.

To book a consultation with Trent Barea or to learn more about which service is right for your child, get in touch today!