Role Description
The
Head of Department (Dietetics and Nutrition)
will lead the nutrition and dietetics division at the India Autism Center (IAC)
, overseeing all aspects of nutritional assessment, dietary planning, and therapeutic interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Intellectual Disability, and other neurodevelopmental or behavioral conditions. The role involves developing and implementing evidence-based dietary protocols that optimize
behaviour, mood regulation, gut-brain health, and metabolic balance
, in close coordination with psychologists, physicians, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. The HOD will also guide nutritional research initiatives and promote awareness of neuro-nutrition across the multidisciplinary team and caregiver community. Core Responsibilities 1. Leadership and Departmental Management
- Provide strategic and clinical leadership to the Dietetics Department.
- Develop, implement, and monitor dietary protocols in alignment with
NICE
, RCI
, and APA
standards and WHO nutrition frameworks. - Oversee staff recruitment, supervision, and professional development of dietitians and nutritionists.
- Manage departmental budgets, equipment, and procurement of nutritional resources.
- Contribute to the Clinical Governance Board with reports on outcomes, research findings, and quality audits.
2. Clinical Nutrition and Intervention
- Conduct detailed
nutritional assessments
for children, adolescents, and adults with neurodevelopmental or behavioral conditions, including: - Dietary habits, nutrient deficiencies, and sensory food preferences
- Food sensitivities and gastrointestinal issues (e.g., gluten/casein intolerance, IBS)
- Weight management and metabolic health
- Gut-brain axis functioning and mood-related nutritional factors
- Design
individualized diet plans
tailored to clinical, sensory, and behavioral needs. - Implement therapeutic diets such as
GF/CF, low FODMAP, anti-inflammatory, ketogenic, or elimination diets
under medical supervision. - Collaborate with psychiatrists and psychologists on
nutritional psychiatry
interventions that support emotional regulation and mental well-being.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Work closely with physicians, occupational therapists, psychologists, and speech-language pathologists to integrate nutrition into holistic care plans.
- Participate in MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) case conferences and review meetings.
- Coordinate with kitchen, hospitality, and nursing teams for dietary compliance in residential and day-care settings.
- Provide guidelines for therapeutic meal preparation and menu planning.
4. Caregiver Training and Community Education
- Conduct workshops and training sessions for caregivers and families on nutrition for behavioural and mood regulation.
- Develop easy-to-follow home-based diet guides and educational materials.
- Promote understanding of food-behaviour relationships and practical approaches to manage selective eating or sensory aversions.
5. Research, Innovation, and Quality Assurance
- Lead or collaborate on research studies focusing on diet, mood, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Publish findings and present them in professional forums and conferences.
- Stay updated with global advances in nutritional neuroscience, nutrigenomics, and functional medicine.
- Implement quality assurance systems to track clinical outcomes related to nutritional interventions.
Requirements Key Qualities
- Expertise in
neuro-nutrition
, gut-brain axis
, and functional nutrition for mental health
. - Strong ability to translate nutritional science into practical, individualized care plans.
- Skilled in leading multidisciplinary collaboration and outcome tracking.
- Excellent communication and education skills for staff and caregiver engagement.
- Research orientation with an evidence-based and ethical approach.
Qualifications
- Master s or Doctoral degree in
Clinical Nutrition / Dietetics / Nutritional Biochemistry / Food and Nutrition Science
from a recognized institution. - Registration with
Indian Dietetic Association (IDA)
or equivalent recognized professional body.
Professional Experience
- Minimum 10-15 years of progressive experience in clinical nutrition or dietetics, with at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting.
- Proven experience in working with neurodevelopmental, behavioural, or psychiatric populations (ASD, ADHD, mood disorders, etc.).
- Familiarity with RCI, NICE, and APA frameworks related to clinical care and therapeutic nutrition.
Benefits
Careers are made to last at the India Autism Center. We make you an incomprehensible promise: With benefits created to support you at all stages of life, our employees grow professionally and personally while making a difference in society.
Our benefits are built on core categories of health, financial security, learning, personal & professional development.
