Autism Spectrum Disorder

There’s no lab test or medical exam that can diagnose pervasive developmental disorder. Instead, healthcare providers observe a person’s behavior and look at their developmental history.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children have screenings for autism spectrum disorder when they’re 18 to 24 months of age. Most healthcare providers screen children during routine developmental and wellness checkups. During these checkups, your provider will talk and interact with your child. They’ll also ask you questions about how your child moves, behaves and communicates at home.

While most diagnoses occur in early childhood, providers can also diagnose PDD and other types of ASD in older children, teens and adults. If you think you or your child could have pervasive developmental disorder or a related condition, talk to your healthcare provider. They can do an evaluation or refer you to someone who specializes in ASD.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.