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ICD Hub / Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders (F01–F99) / 6A01.2 - Developmental language disorder
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for 6A01.2 - Developmental language disorder
Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
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Understanding Developmental Language Disorder (ICD-11 Code 6A01.2)

Developmental language disorder, identified by the ICD-11 code 6A01.2, is a condition characterised by persistent difficulties in acquiring, understanding, producing, or using language. These challenges emerge during the developmental period, typically in early childhood, and lead to significant limitations in an individual's ability to communicate. The extent of language comprehension, production, or usage is markedly below what would be expected for the individual's age. This diagnosis is made when language deficits are not better explained by another neurodevelopmental disorder, sensory impairment, or neurological condition, including the effects of brain injury or infection.

Recognising the Signs: Symptoms of Developmental Language Disorder

Individuals with developmental language disorder often exhibit persistent difficulties in various aspects of language. This can manifest as problems understanding spoken or signed language (receptive language) or challenges in producing and using spoken or signed language (expressive language). The severity of these language deficits is significantly below the expected level for the individual's age and intellectual functioning. These difficulties can impact everyday interactions and learning, leading to communication challenges that are not attributable to regional, social, or cultural language variations.

Diagnosing Developmental Language Disorder: The Process

The diagnosis of developmental language disorder (ICD-11 code 6A01.2) involves a comprehensive assessment to determine if language abilities are markedly below age expectations. Crucially, the condition is diagnosed by excluding other potential causes. This means ruling out other neurodevelopmental disorders, sensory impairments (such as deafness), neurological conditions, or the effects of brain injury or infection. Specific exclusions in the ICD-11 framework include Autism Spectrum Disorder (6A02), Diseases of the Nervous System (Chapter 08), Deafness not otherwise specified (AB52), and Selective Mutism (6B06).

Alternative Names for Developmental Language Disorder

Developmental language disorder is known by several other terms in clinical and research settings. Common synonyms and related phrases include DLD, language development disorder, language learning impairment, and specific language impairment. These terms all refer to the core condition of persistent difficulties in language acquisition and use that arise during childhood and significantly impact communication.

Coding and Documentation for Developmental Language Disorder (6A01.2)

The ICD-11 code 6A01.2 is essential for accurate medical documentation and billing purposes. It provides a specific classification for developmental language disorder, enabling healthcare providers to report diagnoses precisely. Proper use of this code ensures that clinical records reflect the condition accurately, supporting appropriate care planning and administrative processes within healthcare systems, clinics, and SaaS platforms. This code falls under the broader category of Developmental speech or language disorders (6A01).

Seeking Professional Help for Language Difficulties

If there are concerns about a child's language development, such as persistent difficulties in understanding or producing speech and language that seem below age expectations, it is advisable to seek professional medical advice. Early identification and intervention are key. Consulting with healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians, speech-language pathologists, or audiologists, can help determine if a child's communication challenges warrant a diagnosis and support. This is particularly important if language deficits are not explained by other known conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-11 classification for Developmental language disorder?
Developmental language disorder is classified under ICD-11 code 6A01.2, which falls within the parent category 6A01 Developmental speech or language disorders.
How does ICD-11 define Developmental language disorder?
ICD-11 defines Developmental language disorder as persistent deficits in the acquisition, understanding, production, or use of language (spoken or signed) that arise during the developmental period, typically during early childhood. These deficits cause significant limitations in the individual’s ability to communicate and are markedly below what would be expected given the individual’s age. The deficits are not explained by another neurodevelopmental disorder, a sensory impairment, or a neurological condition.
What are the specific subtypes of Developmental language disorder recognized in ICD-11?
ICD-11 includes the following subtypes: Developmental language disorder with impairment of receptive and expressive language (6A01.20), Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly expressive language (6A01.21), Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly pragmatic language (6A01.22), and Developmental language disorder, with other specified language impairment (6A01.23).
Which conditions are explicitly excluded from the ICD-11 classification of Developmental language disorder?
ICD-11 excludes Autism spectrum disorder (6A02), Diseases of the nervous system (Chapter 08), Deafness not otherwise specified (AB52), and Selective mutism (6B06) from the classification of Developmental language disorder.
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