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ICD Hub / Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders (F01–F99) / 6A02 - Autism spectrum disorder
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for 6A02 - Autism spectrum disorder
Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
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Exploring Synonyms for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), identified by the ICD-11 code 6A02, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent deficits in social interaction and social communication, alongside a range of restricted, repetitive, and inflexible patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. These characteristics are typically evident from early development, though they may become more pronounced as social demands increase. The condition's presentation varies significantly among individuals, impacting functioning across personal, social, educational, and occupational domains.

The Diagnostic Process for Autism Spectrum Disorder

The diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder (ICD-11 code 6A02) is primarily based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation. This assessment involves observing the individual's behaviour and gathering detailed information about their social communication skills and patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities. Diagnostic criteria focus on identifying persistent deficits in social interaction and communication, along with restricted and repetitive behaviours, which are typically evident during the developmental period. Professionals utilise various assessment tools and clinical interviews to confirm the diagnosis and understand the individual's specific profile.

Billable Status of ICD-11 Code 6A02 for ASD

Yes, the ICD-11 code 6A02 for Autism spectrum disorder is a billable and reportable code. Healthcare providers use this code to document diagnoses for services rendered, facilitating accurate billing for assessments, treatments, and therapies related to ASD. Its inclusion in the International Classification of Diseases ensures its use in health records, statistical reporting, and insurance claims processing within healthcare systems that have adopted ICD-11.

An Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ICD-11 6A02)

While the official ICD-11 classification uses the term Autism spectrum disorder (code 6A02), it encompasses conditions previously referred to by other names. Historically, "autistic disorder" was a common diagnostic label. In the ICD-11 framework, conditions like Asperger syndrome are now included under the broader umbrella of Autism spectrum disorder, reflecting a more inclusive understanding of the spectrum. For accurate medical documentation and billing, the ICD-11 code 6A02 is used to classify Autism spectrum disorder. This primary code encompasses the broad spectrum of the condition. ICD-11 also provides more specific sub-codes within the 6A02 category, such as 6A02.0 for Autism spectrum disorder without disorder of intellectual development and with mild or no impairment of functional language, allowing for more detailed reporting of an individual's presentation. Proper documentation should reflect the diagnostic criteria and any relevant specifiers.

Identifying Common Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ICD-11 code 6A02) typically present with core features in two main areas. Firstly, persistent deficits in social communication and interaction are observed. This can manifest as difficulties in initiating and sustaining reciprocal social interactions, challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication, and struggles in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships. Secondly, individuals often exhibit restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. This may include motor stereotypies, an insistence on sameness or adherence to routines, highly restricted and fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus, and unusual sensory sensitivities, such as hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input. Symptoms are present from early development, though they may not be fully apparent until social demands exceed an individual's capacities.

Approaches to Treatment and Management of ASD

Management of Autism spectrum disorder (ICD-11 code 6A02) focuses on providing support and interventions tailored to the individual's specific needs and challenges. While there is no cure, various therapeutic approaches can help individuals develop skills and improve their quality of life. These may include behavioural interventions, speech and language therapy to enhance communication, occupational therapy to address sensory processing and daily living skills, and educational support. Early intervention is often beneficial, and treatment plans are typically multidisciplinary, adapting as the individual grows and their needs evolve.

Frequently asked questions

What are the defining characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to ICD-11 classification?
ICD-11 defines Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by persistent deficits in the ability to initiate and sustain reciprocal social interaction and social communication, alongside a range of restricted, repetitive, and inflexible patterns of behavior, interests, or activities that are atypical or excessive for the individual's age and sociocultural context. These deficits typically emerge during the developmental period and cause significant impairment in functioning.
How does ICD-11 approach the classification of Autism Spectrum Disorder compared to previous systems?
ICD-11 classifies Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a global spectrum, moving away from distinct categories such as Childhood Autism and Asperger’s syndrome. It incorporates these under the umbrella term 'Autism Spectrum Disorder' and distinguishes between ASD with and without disorders of intellectual development.
What are the main subcategories used in ICD-11 for Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly concerning intellectual development and language impairment?
ICD-11 uses the primary code 6A02 for Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is further specified by subcategories that differentiate based on the presence or absence of disorders of intellectual development and the level of functional language impairment. Examples include 6A02.0 (Autism spectrum disorder without disorder of intellectual development and with mild or no impairment of functional language) and 6A02.3 (Autism spectrum disorder with disorder of intellectual development and with impaired functional language).
According to ICD-11, under what circumstances is an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis still appropriate if deficits are not readily apparent?
ICD-11 recognizes that some individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder may function adequately through exceptional effort, making their deficits not immediately apparent. In such cases, a diagnosis of ASD is still considered appropriate, especially if clinical presentation occurs due to decompensation when social demands overwhelm compensatory capacities.
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