International Scientific Conference: Exploring the Intersection of Feeding, Child Development, and Neurodiversity
International Scientific Conference:
Exploring the Intersection of Feeding, Child Development, and Neurodiversity
Connecting Nutrition, Growth and Inclusivity
Date: 25th October 2024 – 27th October 2024
Location: Golden Tulip Hotel, Varna, Bulgaria
Supported by the EU NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria
Project №BG-RRP-2.004-0009-C02
Medical University - Varna is pleased to invite you to the international conference titled “Exploring the Intersection of Feeding, Child Development, and Neurodiversity,” organized under the MUVE-TEAM project. The event will take place from 25 to 27 October 2024 in Varna, at the Golden Tulip Hotel.
The conference, initiated by the science group 3.1.3. NutriLect, will focus on key topics related to nutrition, growth, and inclusivity in children. Central discussions will address nutritional screening, communication and feeding disorders, innovations in therapeutic approaches to nutrition, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The psychological and social aspects of feeding in neurodiverse populations will also be explored through case studies.
Leading scholars from Bulgaria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Romania, the USA will participate in the event.
Subtopics and Speaker Alignment
- Nutritional Screening and Strategies for Neurodiverse Children
- Early Childhood Feeding and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
- Innovative Therapeutic Approaches to Feeding
- Communication and Feeding Disorders: Integration of Speech Therapy
- Psychological and Social Aspects of Feeding in Neurodiverse Populations
- Role of Organizations in Supporting Neurodiversity and Nutrition
- Quality of Life and Stigma in Neurodiverse Conditions
- Latest Research and Future Directions in Pediatric Nutrition
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Advocacy
- Legal and Ethical Considerations in Nutrition and Child Development
- Case Studies and Practical Interventions
Register: https://forms.gle/5WVLmZRfCeENW1mR9
Contact with organizing committee: nutrilect@googlegroups.com
Important Information
- Participation in the International Scientific Conference is free of charge.
- Language: English
- Venue capacity is limited to 120 participants.
- Upon registration, approved participants will receive a confirmation email with additional instructions and information for accommodation prices at Golden tulip hotel at preferential rates for the conference days.
- The registration covers conference materials, coffee breaks, lunch, and dinners.
- Poster session: Each accepted abstract will be presented during the Poster Session with a 5-minute oral presentation by the author. Abstracts will be published in an online Abstract book. Full manuscript can be published after the editorial decision in a special issue of the journal Biomedical Reviews.
Dates to Remember
- 25 September 2024: Abstract submission deadline
- 7 October 2024: Notification of abstract acceptance
- 10 October 2024: Final registration deadline
Organizing Committee
- Ruzha Pancheva (MU-Varna)
- Rositsa Chamova (MU-Varna)
- Silviya Nikolova (MU-Varna)
- Sevdzhihan Eyubova (University of Shumen)
- Nikoleta Yoncheva (Karin dom Foundation)
- Rozalina Braykova (MU-Varna)
- Albena Toneva (MU-Varna)
- Dimitar Marinov (MU-Varna)
- Stefka Tscvetanova (Karin dom Foundation)
Conference Program
For full preliminary program: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12BDAefrQk3VZ_6AH0KjfHZFdpFFTifx-eElVzfBSW6w/edit?usp=drive_link
Confirmed speakers:
Andrea Hathazi (Romania)
Bruna Menegassi (Spain)
Carmen Costea-Bărluțiu (Romania)
Daria Leonidovna Chivchibashi-Pavlova (Bulgaria)
George Bogdanov (Bulgaria)
Hristo Naydenov (Bulgaria)
Ivan Chavdarov (Bulgaria)
Ivan Ivanov (Bulgaria)
Ivan Yankov (Bulgaria)
Karan Courtney Haag (USA)
Koen Huysentruyt (Belgium)
Konstantinos Gerasimidis (UK)
Manlio Vinciguerra (Italy)
Marco Fiore (Italy)
Nadya Koltcheva (Bulgaria)
Nikoleta Yoncheva (Bulgaria)
Nina Yordanova (Bulgaria)
Ruzha Pancheva (Bulgaria)
Sevdzhihan Eyubova (Bulgaria)
Silvia Nikolova (Bulgaria)
Stanka Fitneva (Canada)
Tena Niseteo (Croatia)
Virginia Stallings (USA)
Venue
Golden Tulip Hotel Varna
Varna, Bulgaria
Hotel Varna | Golden Tulip

About Varna
Varna is the third-largest city in Bulgaria, known as the maritime capital of the country and a popular seaside resort on the Black Sea coast. It boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a scenic coastline. The conference venue is located near Sea Garden, Varna’s most famous public park, offering stunning promenades, beach access, and a variety of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.
With its combination of historical landmarks, modern amenities, and beautiful natural scenery, Varna provides the perfect setting for both professional gatherings and leisure activities. The city is easily accessible, located just 11 km from Varna Airport, with a short 10-minute drive to the city center.
Visit our team in Facebook: NutriLect Mu - Varna
Updated Preliminary Program of the International Scientific Conference "Exploring the Intersection of Feeding Child Development and Neurodiversity"
Slogan: Connecting Nutrition, Growth and Inclusivity
Date: 25th October 2024 – 27th October 2024
Friday, 25th October 2024
- 13:00 - 14:00: Participant Registration
- 14:00 - 14:30: Conference Opening (Welcome and Introduction)
- 14:30 - 17:00: Session 1: Nutritional Screening and Strategies for Neurodiverse Children
- Koen Huysentruyt (Belgium) - Nutritional Screening and Strategies for Neurodiverse Children
- Konstantinos Gerasimidis (UK) - Micronutrient Assessment.
- Daria Leonidovna Chivchibashi-Pavlova (Bulgaria) - Animal Modeling of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Challenges and Opportunities
- Manlio Vinciguerra (Italy)- Genetics and Epigenetics of Pediatric Fatty Liver
Saturday, 26th October 2024
- 08:00 - 9:30: Session 2: Early Childhood Feeding and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
- Virginia Stallings (USA) - Nutrition in Children with Cerebral Palsy
- Ivan Ivanov (Bulgaria) - Early Child Development Tracking
- Nadya Koltcheva (Bulgaria) - S/he Loves Me S/he Loves Me Not! Specifics of Parent-Child Relationships in Families with Children with Developmental Disabilities
- Stanka Fitneva, PhD (Canada) - Early Psychosocial Correlates of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Evidence from the Canadian National Longitudinal Study of Children and Youth (Online)
- 9:30 - 10:00: Coffee Break
- 10:00 - 13:00: Session 3: Innovative Therapeutic Approaches to Feeding
- Konstantinos Gerasimidis (UK) Nutritional Screening Tools
- Virginia Stallings (USA) - Growth and Development in Children with Cerebral Palsy
- Tena Niseteo (Croatia) - Use of Blended Diets in Neurologically Impaired Children
- Ivan Yankov (Bulgaria) - Growth and Development of Children on Enteral Feeding: 7 Years of Experience in a Reference Center
- Ruzha Pancheva (Bulgaria) - Tools and Metrics for Tracking Progress in Nutritional Status of Children with CP and Autism
- Hristo Naydenov, Mila Baycheva (Bulgaria) - Nutritional Interventions in Hospitalized Patients with Severe Neurological Diseases
- 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch
- 14:00 - 15:30: Session 4: Communication and Feeding Disorders: Integration of Speech Therapy
- Nina Yordanova (Bulgaria) - Possibilities and Difficulties for Feeding Therapy in Patients with Cerebral Palsy and Autism
- Carmen Costea-Bărluțiu, Andrea Hathazi, Diana Botez (Romania) - Attachment Parental Behaviors and Selective Eating in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Andrea Hathazi, Carmen Costea-Bărluțiu (Romania) - Mealtime Routines in the Development of Communication Skills in Children with Multiple Disabilities
- Ivan Chavdarov (Bulgaria) - Neonatal Asymmetric Crying Facies (NACF): Clinical Diagnosis and Therapy, New Methods
- 15:30 - 16:00: Coffee Break
- 16:00 - 18:30: Roundtable Discussion: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Feeding and Neurodevelopmental Challenges
- Participants: All Lecturers
- 16:00 – 18:30 Poster presentation:
- Participants: All attendees
Sunday, 27th October 2024
- 08:00 - 10:00: Session 6: Role of Organizations in Supporting Neurodiversity and Nutrition
- Silvia Nikolova (Bulgaria) - Needs Assessment and Quality of Life of Families with Children with Cerebral Palsy and Autism
- Tena Niseteo (Croatia) - The Role of DHA in Neurodevelopment in Children
- George Bogdanov (Bulgaria) - Advocacy for political reforms of the National Network for Children in the field of Child development, Nutrition, Growth, and Inclusivity
- Marco Fiore (Italy) - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Disorder of Neurodevelopmental Origin
- Nikoleta Yoncheva (Bulgaria) - Assessment of Feeding and Creating Effective Feeding Plans as a Team: Parent-Doctor-Therapist
- 10:00 - 10:30: Coffee Break
- 10:30 - 12:00: Closing Session and Discussion: Future Directions and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Koen Huysentruyt (Belgium) - Case Studies and Practical Interventions
- Sevdzhihan Eyubova (Bulgaria) - Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Understanding the Interplay and Impact on Social and Emotional Functioning
- Bruna Menegassi (Spain) - Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) in Children's Diets
- Karan Courtney Haag (USA) - Social Aspects of Nutrition
12:00: Conference Closing (Summary and Appreciation)