Autism Spectrum
SNOMED CT Concept for Autism Spectrum
In SNOMED CT, autism spectrum is represented by concept 408856003 | Autism spectrum disorder (disorder), historically under 35919005 | Pervasive developmental disorder. It maps to WHO ICD-11 6A02, which unifies the former DSM-IV/ICD-10 subtypes into a single spectrum construct.
Clinicians coding paediatric developmental presentations need the right concept identifier — here is the SNOMED CT term for autism spectrum and how it maps across systems.
In short
In SNOMED CT, autism spectrum is represented by the concept 35919005 | Pervasive developmental disorder (disorder) as the historical parent, with the contemporary preferred concept being 408856003 | Autism spectrum disorder (disorder). This SNOMED CT concept maps to ICD-11 6A02 Autism spectrum disorder and supersedes the older DSM-IV-era subtypes (autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, PDD-NOS) now subsumed under a single spectrum construct. Always confirm the exact subtype concept and current SNOMED CT release, as the international edition is updated biannually and country extensions (including the India edition) may differ.The coding detail
SNOMED CT consolidates the spectrum under 408856003 | Autism spectrum disorder (disorder), with finer-grained children where clinically required. Key cross-references for your records:- SNOMED CT preferred term: 408856003 · Autism spectrum disorder (disorder)
- ICD-11 (WHO): 6A02 · Autism spectrum disorder, with severity and language/intellectual-functioning qualifiers via the 6A02.0–6A02.5 sub-codes
- Functioning frame: WHO ICF, capturing activity and participation rather than deficit alone
Note that ICD-11 replaced ICD-10's F84 cluster (childhood autism, atypical autism, Asperger syndrome) with the unified 6A02 hierarchy — so when migrating legacy records, map ICD-10 F84.0–F84.9 to the appropriate 6A02 sub-code rather than one-to-one. SNOMED-to-ICD maps are maintained in the official map reference sets; rely on those rather than manual crosswalks for billing and reporting fidelity.
When to refer
Coding aside, refer for structured assessment when social-communication differences and restricted, repetitive behaviours persist across settings and are not better explained by hearing loss or global delay. NICE CG128 supports a multidisciplinary diagnostic pathway; act promptly on any skill regression or persistent parental concern.The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from a code lookup or an online tool. For referring clinicians, our network offers [structured multidisciplinary assessment](/) and a clinician-administered AbilityScore® to baseline functioning, plus coordinated speech and language therapy pathways. With 2.5 billion+ data points, 25 million+ therapy sessions and 700+ therapists across 70+ centres, we partner with paediatricians to move from recognition to intervention.Trusted sources
WHO ICD-11 (6A02, Autism spectrum disorder); SNOMED International concept hierarchy; NICE CG128 on autism recognition and diagnosis; American Academy of Pediatrics developmental guidance; NIMHANS autism clinical resources.Next step — Refer a child for structured assessment, or [partner with a Pinnacle centre](/) to streamline your developmental pathway.
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
Persistent social-communication differences and restricted, repetitive behaviours across settings; any regression in language or social engagement at any age warrants prompt referral.
Try this at home
When migrating legacy records, map ICD-10 F84.0–F84.9 to the appropriate ICD-11 6A02 sub-code using official map reference sets rather than manual one-to-one crosswalks.
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 SNOMED CT concept ID for autism spectrum disorder?
The preferred SNOMED CT concept is 408856003 | Autism spectrum disorder (disorder). The broader historical parent is 35919005 | Pervasive developmental disorder (disorder). Always confirm against your current SNOMED CT release and any national extension.
How does the SNOMED CT autism concept map to ICD-11?
It maps to WHO ICD-11 6A02 Autism spectrum disorder, which carries severity and language/intellectual-functioning qualifiers across sub-codes 6A02.0–6A02.5. Use official SNOMED-to-ICD map reference sets for reporting fidelity.
What happened to Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS in current coding?
Both former DSM-IV/ICD-10 subtypes are now subsumed under the unified autism spectrum construct in SNOMED CT and ICD-11 6A02. ICD-10's F84 cluster should be mapped to the appropriate 6A02 sub-code rather than carried forward as separate categories.