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ICD Hub / Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders (F01–F99) / 6A01.1 - Developmental speech fluency disorder
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for 6A01.1 - Developmental speech fluency disorder
Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
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Alternative Names for Developmental Speech Fluency Disorder

Developmental speech fluency disorder is also commonly referred to as stuttering or stammering. In some instances, it may be associated with or confused with cluttering, which also affects speech fluency.

Understanding Developmental Speech Fluency Disorder (ICD-11 Code 6A01.1)

Developmental speech fluency disorder, identified by the ICD-11 code 6A01.1, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent disruptions in the normal rhythmic flow and rate of speech. These disruptions manifest as repetitions, prolongations of sounds, syllables, words, or phrases, as well as blocking and word avoidance or substitutions. The onset occurs during the developmental period, and the speech dysfluency is significantly below what would be expected for the individual's age, leading to marked impairment in social communication, personal, family, educational, or occupational functioning. It is distinct from speech dysfluency better explained by intellectual disability, nervous system diseases, sensory impairments, or structural abnormalities.

Signs and Symptoms of Speech Fluency Disorder

Individuals with developmental speech fluency disorder may exhibit a range of symptoms affecting their speech flow. These can include: * Frequent repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., "b-b-b-book", "who-who-who") * Prolonged sounds or syllables (e.g., "I sssssss-see") * Blocks where speech is interrupted, with no sound being produced * Hesitations or pauses within words or sentences * Word avoidance or the use of substitute words to bypass difficult speech moments * Unusual rate or rhythm of talking, which may sound rapid, irregular or jerky * Omission of syllables or words * Tendency to collapse words or phrases * Use of interjections like "um" or "uh" excessively * Changes in speech mid-sentence or unexpected pauses Some individuals may develop secondary behaviours to cope, such as eye blinking, mouth movements, or avoiding speaking situations.

Factors Contributing to Developmental Speech Fluency Disorder

The exact causes of developmental speech fluency disorder are not fully understood. However, research suggests a complex interplay of factors. Potential risk factors include: * A family history of speech disorders, indicating a possible genetic predisposition. * The presence of developmental delays or learning disabilities. * Neurological conditions such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorder. * Being male, as fluency disorders are more commonly diagnosed in males. It is important to note that these are risk factors, not definitive causes, and do not guarantee the development of the disorder.

Diagnosing Speech Fluency Disorder

Diagnosis of developmental speech fluency disorder (ICD-11 code 6A01.1) is typically made by a qualified speech-language pathologist (SLP). The diagnostic process involves: * A comprehensive assessment of speech patterns, including the frequency, type, and severity of dysfluencies. * Evaluation of the impact of speech difficulties on communication and daily functioning. * Gathering information about the onset and history of the speech issues. * Inquiring about family history of speech or language disorders. * Ruling out other conditions that might cause speech difficulties, such as neurological disorders, sensory impairments, or structural abnormalities. SLPs may use standardised assessment tools and observe speech in various contexts to confirm the diagnosis and differentiate it from other communication disorders.

Management and Treatment Strategies for Speech Fluency Disorder

Treatment for developmental speech fluency disorder focuses on improving speech fluency and reducing the impact of the condition on the individual's life. Key strategies include: * **Speech Therapy:** This is the primary treatment approach, involving techniques to manage breathing, slow down speech, insert natural pauses, and focus on individual sounds, syllables, and words. * **Developing Strategies:** Patients learn techniques to control speech rate, reduce tension, and manage disfluencies more effectively. * **Reducing Negative Feelings:** Therapy often addresses the stress, anxiety, and negative emotions associated with speaking difficulties. * **Communication Support:** Educating family, friends, and educators on how to best support the individual's communication efforts, such as allowing adequate time to speak. * **Using Shorter Sentences:** Practicing the use of clearer and more concise sentence structures. While fluency disorders cannot be prevented, consistent practice of learned strategies can help manage symptoms and improve overall communication.

ICD-11 Coding and Documentation for Speech Fluency Disorder

For accurate medical billing and record-keeping, the ICD-11 code 6A01.1 should be used to document Developmental speech fluency disorder. This code specifically identifies the condition characterised by disruptions in speech flow that begin during the developmental period and cause significant functional impairment. When documenting, healthcare professionals should include details about the nature of the dysfluency, its impact on communication, and the treatment plan. Common synonyms like stuttering or stammering may be noted in clinical records. This ICD-11 code for developmental speech fluency disorder is reportable and billable when providing services related to its diagnosis and management.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-11 classification meaning of Developmental speech fluency disorder (6A01.1)?
Developmental speech fluency disorder (6A01.1) is characterized by frequent or pervasive disruption of the normal rhythmic flow and rate of speech, including repetitions and prolongations in sounds, syllables, words, and phrases, as well as blocking and word avoidance or substitutions. The speech dysfluency is persistent, begins during the developmental period, is markedly below what is expected for age, and results in significant impairment in social communication, personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. It is not better accounted for by a Disorder of Intellectual Development, a Disease of the Nervous System, a sensory impairment, or a structural abnormality, or other speech or voice disorder.
What terms are associated with ICD-11 code 6A01.1, Developmental speech fluency disorder?
ICD-11 code 6A01.1, Developmental speech fluency disorder, is associated with terms such as stuttering and cluttering, which affect the flow of speech. Synonyms include childhood onset stuttering, developmental onset stuttering, childhood onset stammering, and developmental onset cluttering.
What are the exclusion criteria for ICD-11 code 6A01.1, Developmental speech fluency disorder?
Developmental speech fluency disorder (6A01.1) is excluded if the speech dysfluency is better accounted for by a Disorder of Intellectual Development, a Disease of the Nervous System, a sensory impairment, a structural abnormality, other speech or voice disorder, or Tic disorders (8A05).
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