Developmental Language Disorder
Developmental Language Disorder: ICD-11 Definition & Early Features
Developmental Language Disorder (ICD-11 6A01.2) is a persistent, primary difficulty acquiring and using language that falls substantially below age expectations and is not explained by hearing loss, intellectual disability, autism or neurological injury. In early childhood it presents as delayed first words, limited vocabulary, immature grammar and under-recognised comprehension difficulties.
The child who understands far more than they can say — and whose words lag behind every other domain — is often a child with DLD, not a child who is simply "slow to talk".
In short
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), coded 6A01.2 in ICD-11-MMS, is a persistent difficulty in acquiring, understanding, producing or using language that emerges in the developmental period and falls substantially below age expectations. Crucially, it is not attributable to hearing impairment, intellectual disability, autism, neurological injury or environmental deprivation — the language deficit is the primary, disproportionate problem.The science, briefly
Under ICD-11, DLD sits within developmental speech or language disorders. In early childhood the picture typically includes delayed onset of first words and word combinations, restricted expressive vocabulary, immature or error-prone grammar (morphosyntax), and difficulties with comprehension that may be subtler and under-recognised. Receptive and expressive subtypes are distinguished clinically. The deficits are persistent rather than transient — distinguishing DLD from the late-talker who self-corrects — and they impair everyday communication, social participation and later literacy. Standardised language assessment, normal-range nonverbal ability and exclusion of differential causes (notably hearing loss and ASD) anchor the working formulation.The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from an online form. Pinnacle pairs structured language profiling with targeted speech therapy and family coaching. Explore Developmental Language Disorder and how the AbilityScore® is established.Trusted sources
WHO ICD-11-MMS (6A01.2); ASHA practice guidance on language disorders.Next step — Refer a child with disproportionate, persistent language delay for structured assessment at a Pinnacle centre.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Disproportionate, persistent language delay — delayed first words and word combinations, restricted vocabulary, immature grammar, and comprehension difficulties that persist beyond the typical late-talker window and impair daily communication.
Try this at home
When taking a history, ask specifically about comprehension, not just expressive output — receptive difficulties in DLD are easily missed when a child appears socially engaged.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
What is the ICD-11 code for Developmental Language Disorder?
DLD is coded 6A01.2 within the ICD-11-MMS developmental speech or language disorders grouping.
How is DLD distinguished from a late talker?
DLD is persistent and disproportionate to other development, whereas many late talkers catch up. Persistence below age expectations, with functional impact and exclusion of differential causes, points to DLD.
Does DLD require excluding autism and hearing loss?
Yes. The language deficit must not be better explained by hearing impairment, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder or neurological injury for a DLD formulation.