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ASK PINNACLE · QUESTIONS, EXPLANATIONS & NEXT STEPS

Definition

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2,439 published answers · English · Page 87

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Answer

What is the ICD-11 classification for Genetic / Chromosomal Syndromes?

In ICD-11, genetic and chromosomal syndromes sit mainly in Chapter 20 (Developmental anomalies, LA00–LD9Z), with chromosomal abnormalities under LD40–LD44. ICD-11 is multi-axial: the syndromic/aetiological code is post-coordinated with associated conditions (e.g. 6A00 disorders of intellectual development) and an ICF functioning profile, which is what drives developmental therapy.

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ICD-11 Classification of Global Developmental Delay

In ICD-11, Global Developmental Delay sits under LD24 (Disorders of intellectual development) as a provisional descriptor for children under 5 with significant delay across multiple domains who are too young for valid standardised cognitive assessment. It is a temporary, functioning-focused placeholder that prompts early intervention and later reclassification, not a fixed diagnosis.

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What is the ICD-11 classification for Gross Motor Delay?

ICD-11 has no standalone 'Gross Motor Delay' code; it is a functional descriptor. When persisting and predominant it maps to Developmental motor coordination disorder (6A04); within global delay to Disorders of intellectual development (6A00); transient isolated delay to milestone symptom codes — with any underlying aetiology coded separately.

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ICD-11 Classification of Hearing Impairment

In ICD-11, hearing impairment sits in Chapter 08 (Diseases of the ear and mastoid process) under the hearing impairment and deafness block, principally AB50 (conductive, sensorineural or mixed) and AB51. Type, laterality and WHO severity grades are specified; functional impact is captured via the ICF.

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ICD-11 Classification of Hypotonia (Low Muscle Tone)

In ICD-11, hypotonia is classified as a clinical sign (MB47.4 Hypotonia) under symptoms and signs of the musculoskeletal system — a manifestation, not a diagnosis. The underlying central, peripheral, genetic or metabolic cause must be coded separately, and ICF describes its functional impact on posture, feeding and motor milestones.

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ICD-11 Classification for Intellectual Disability (6A00)

In ICD-11-MMS, Intellectual Disability is classified as 6A00, Disorders of Intellectual Development, under Neurodevelopmental Disorders. It is defined by significantly below-average intellectual and adaptive functioning originating in the developmental period, with severity coded mild, moderate, severe or profound, plus provisional categories where standardised testing is not yet feasible.

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ICD-11 Classification for Motor Planning Difficulties

Motor planning difficulties are a functional descriptor, not a standalone ICD-11 term. They map to ICD-11 6A04 Developmental Motor Coordination Disorder within the neurodevelopmental disorders block, with praxis-related limitations also codable under the WHO ICF functioning lens.

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ICD-11 Classification for Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation

"Non-verbal" and "minimally verbal" are functional descriptors of expressive communication, not ICD-11 diagnoses. ICD-11 codes the underlying condition (e.g. 6A02 autism with the functional-language qualifier, 6A00 disorders of intellectual development, or 6A01.1 developmental language disorder) on the diagnostic axis, while the WHO ICF framework describes the degree of spoken-language limitation and its impact.

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ICD-11 Classification of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (6C90)

In ICD-11-MMS, Oppositional Defiant Disorder is coded 6C90 within disruptive behaviour or dissocial disorders, defined as a persistent (~6-month) pattern of markedly defiant, disobedient or spiteful behaviour beyond age-typical limits, with a specifier for chronic irritability and anger.

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What is the ICD-11 classification for Persistent Toe-Walking?

ICD-11 has no dedicated code for persistent (idiopathic) toe-walking; it is a gait descriptor captured under MB44 Abnormalities of gait and mobility in Chapter 21. Secondary toe-walking is coded to its underlying cause — cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disorder, contracture or an associated neurodevelopmental condition such as autism (6A02).

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ICD-11 Classification for Prematurity-Related Developmental Risk

Prematurity-Related Developmental Risk is not a single ICD-11 diagnosis but a risk descriptor. ICD-11 codes the gestational status under the perinatal chapter (KA2x) and codes any developmental sequelae separately as they emerge. The clinical stance is corrected-age developmental surveillance, not premature labelling.

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ICD-11 Classification of Rett Syndrome (LD90.0)

In ICD-11-MMS, Rett syndrome is classified under code LD90.0 within developmental anomalies of the nervous system. It denotes a monogenic neurodevelopmental disorder, most often caused by MECP2 variants, marked by early normal development followed by regression of hand skills and language, gait abnormalities and stereotypic hand movements.

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ICD-11 Classification for School Readiness Gap

"School Readiness Gap" is a functional descriptor, not an ICD-11 diagnostic code. It is best mapped through the WHO ICF as a participation/functioning construct, with any underlying condition (e.g. developmental language disorder, ADHD) coded separately under ICD-11 if identified. Treat it as a screening flag warranting structured developmental profiling, not a label.

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What is the ICD-11 classification for Selective Mutism?

In ICD-11-MMS, Selective Mutism is coded 6B06 and classified within Anxiety or fear-related disorders — reframing it as an anxiety-driven condition marked by consistent failure to speak in specific social settings despite normal speech elsewhere.

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What is the ICD-11 classification for Self-Regulation Difficulties?

"Self-regulation difficulties" is a functional descriptor, not a single ICD-11 diagnosis. ICD-11 has no standalone "regulation disorder" code; classify by the underlying entity — ADHD (6A05), oppositional defiant disorder (6C90) — and use the ICF to record the regulatory impairment and its functional impact.

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ICD-11 Classification for Sensory-Based Feeding Selectivity

Sensory-Based Feeding Selectivity is not a discrete ICD-11 entity. When sensory-driven food refusal causes nutritional deficiency, faltering growth, supplement dependence or psychosocial impairment, it is coded under ICD-11-MMS 6B83 Avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Developmentally typical picky eating without these consequences does not meet the threshold.

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What is the ICD-11 classification for Sensory Processing Differences?

ICD-11 has no standalone code for Sensory Processing Differences. Sensory reactivity is documented as an associated feature of recognised conditions — notably autism spectrum disorder (6A02) — with functional impact described via the WHO ICF framework rather than a dedicated diagnostic code.

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ICD-11 Classification of Separation Anxiety Disorder (6B05)

In ICD-11-MMS, Separation Anxiety Disorder is coded 6B05 within the Anxiety or fear-related disorders block. ICD-11 removed the childhood-onset restriction of ICD-10, applying the diagnosis across the lifespan where excessive, persistent separation-related fear causes significant distress or impairment.

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ICD-11 Classification of Social Communication Difficulties

In ICD-11-MMS, social (pragmatic) communication difficulties are coded at 6A01.22 — Developmental language disorder with impairment of mainly pragmatic language — within 6A01 Developmental language disorder under 6A0 Neurodevelopmental disorders. It applies when pragmatic-language impairment is persistent and not better explained by autism spectrum disorder.

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ICD-11 Classification for Specific Learning Disability

In ICD-11-MMS, Specific Learning Disability is classified as Developmental learning disorder, code 6A03, under Neurodevelopmental disorders, with subtypes for impairment in reading (6A03.0), written expression (6A03.1) and mathematics (6A03.2). Difficulties must persist at least six months despite intervention and not be better explained by intellectual, sensory or neurological causes.

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ICD-11 Classification for Speech and Language Delay

In ICD-11-MMS, speech and language delay is classified under code 6A01 — Developmental speech or language disorders, within neurodevelopmental disorders. It encompasses speech sound disorder (6A01.0), speech fluency disorder (6A01.1) and developmental language disorder (6A01.2), distinguishing a true developmental disorder from transient variation.

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ICD-11 Classification of Stereotyped Movement Disorder (6A06)

In ICD-11-MMS, Stereotyped Movement Disorder is coded 6A06 within Neurodevelopmental disorders — persistent, repetitive, purposeless motor behaviour beginning in the developmental period, specified with or without self-injury and whether associated with another condition. Diagnosis is established only by a qualified clinician.

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ICD-11 Classification of Tourette Syndrome

In ICD-11-MMS, Tourette Syndrome is coded 8A05.00 within the parent category 8A05 Tic disorders. ICD-11 places tic disorders in Diseases of the nervous system (Chapter 08) with secondary parenting under neurodevelopmental disorders, requiring multiple motor tics plus at least one phonic tic, persistent over a year with childhood onset.

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ICD-11 Classification for Visual Impairment (9D90)

In ICD-11-MMS, Visual Impairment is classified at 9D90 within the visual system chapter. It is a functioning-based category grading reduced acuity and visual field loss — mild, moderate, severe and blindness — applied to the better eye with best correction, and paired separately with the underlying aetiological diagnosis.

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