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ICD Hub / Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders (F01–F99) / 6A01.21 - Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly expressive language
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for 6A01.21 - Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly expressive language
Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
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Alternative Names for Expressive Language Disorder

Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly expressive language is also known by several other terms, including:
  • Developmental expressive language disorder
  • Developmental dysphasia, expressive type
  • Developmental aphasia, expressive type
  • Expressive language disorder

Understanding Developmental Language Disorder with Impaired Expressive Language

This condition, identified by ICD-11 code 6A01.21, is characterized by persistent challenges in acquiring, producing, and using language. These difficulties emerge during the developmental period, typically in early childhood, and significantly impact an individual's ability to communicate. The primary characteristic of 6A01.21 is a marked deficit in expressive language – the ability to produce and use spoken or signed language. While expressive skills are significantly below what is expected for the individual's age and intellectual functioning, their ability to understand language (receptive language) is generally intact.

Recognizing When to Seek Professional Guidance

Parents or caregivers concerned about a child's speech and language development should seek professional evaluation. If a child consistently struggles to express themselves, has difficulty forming sentences, uses limited vocabulary for their age, or experiences significant challenges in verbal communication, consulting a speech and language therapist or a pediatrician is recommended. Early identification and intervention are crucial for supporting children with expressive language difficulties.

Diagnostic Criteria for 6A01.21

The diagnosis of Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly expressive language (ICD-11 code 6A01.21) is made when persistent difficulties in language acquisition, production, and use arise during the developmental period. Key diagnostic criteria include:
  • Expressive language abilities are markedly below the expected level for the individual's age and intellectual functioning.
  • Receptive language abilities are relatively intact.
  • The language deficits cause significant limitations in communication.
  • The condition is not explained by another neurodevelopmental disorder, sensory impairment, neurological condition, brain injury, or infection.

Key Signs of Expressive Language Difficulties

Children with Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly expressive language may exhibit several signs, including:
  • Difficulty forming sentences and using correct grammar.
  • A limited vocabulary or trouble finding the right words.
  • Challenges in telling stories or explaining ideas clearly.
  • Pronunciation errors that affect speech intelligibility.
  • A tendency to use simpler sentence structures than peers.
  • Trouble with the social aspects of communication, such as turn-taking in conversations.
While their understanding of language may be relatively good, their ability to express themselves verbally or through signing is notably impaired.

Accurate Coding for 6A01.21

For accurate medical records and billing, the ICD-11 code 6A01.21 should be used to identify Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly expressive language. This specific code distinguishes the condition from other language disorders where receptive language may also be affected. Proper documentation should detail the observed expressive language deficits and confirm that receptive language skills are relatively preserved.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-11 classification meaning of 6A01.21 Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly expressive language?
Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly expressive language is characterized by persistent difficulties in the acquisition, production, and use of language that arise during the developmental period. It causes significant limitations in communication, with the ability to produce and use spoken or signed language markedly below the expected level for age and intellectual functioning, while the ability to understand spoken or signed language is relatively intact.
How does ICD-11 code 6A01.21 differ from other developmental language disorder categories?
ICD-11 code 6A01.21 is specific to impairment of mainly expressive language, distinguishing it from categories like 6A01.20 (impairment of receptive and expressive language) or 6A01.22 (impairment of mainly pragmatic language). The defining characteristic of 6A01.21 is that receptive language abilities are relatively intact.
What are the inclusions for ICD-11 code 6A01.21?
ICD-11 code 6A01.21 includes Developmental dysphasia or aphasia, expressive type.
When would a coder use an unspecified category instead of 6A01.21 Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly expressive language?
An unspecified category, such as 6A01.Z Developmental speech or language disorder, unspecified, would be used when the documentation does not clearly indicate that receptive language abilities are relatively intact, which is a requirement for coding 6A01.21.
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