# Developmental Language Disorder: ICD-11 Definition & Early Features

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-developmental-language-disorder-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

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
AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an online form. Pinnacle pairs structured language profiling with targeted [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) and family coaching. Explore [Developmental Language Disorder](/developmental-language-disorder) and [how the AbilityScore® is established](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated).

## 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 — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

## Sources
- WHO ICD-11-MMS — Developmental Language Disorder: https://icd.who.int/
- ASHA — Spoken language disorders: https://www.asha.org/

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Conditions: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/conditions
- Doctor: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/doctor
- Communication: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/communication
- Definition: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/definition
- Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen
- Special Education: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/special-education
- Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity

## Related question paths

### Understand the subject
- What is Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-developmental-language-disorder
- What is Developmental Language Disorder, and what does it look like in early childhood?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-developmental-language-disorder-and-what-does-it-look-like-in-early-childhood
- ICD-11 Classification for Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-developmental-language-disorder
- What is the SNOMED CT concept for Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-snomed-ct-concept-for-developmental-language-disorder
- How does Developmental Language Disorder affect a child's daily life?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-developmental-language-disorder-affect-a-child-s-daily-life
- Is Developmental Language Disorder considered a disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-developmental-language-disorder-considered-a-disability
- Is Developmental Language Disorder Genetic or Hereditary?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-developmental-language-disorder-genetic-or-hereditary
- What are common myths about Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-common-myths-about-developmental-language-disorder
- What are the types or levels of Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-types-or-levels-of-developmental-language-disorder
- What causes Developmental Language Disorder in children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-developmental-language-disorder-in-children
- Early Intervention Outcomes for Developmental Language Disorder Under 7: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-current-research-show-about-early-intervention-outcomes-for-developmental-language-disorder-in-children-under-7
- What other conditions often occur alongside DLD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-other-conditions-often-occur-alongside-developmental-language-disorder

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Early Signs of Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-developmental-language-disorder-in-young-children
- Clinical Red Flags for Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-clinical-red-flags-for-developmental-language-disorder-warrant-referral-in-a-young-child
- Early Indicators of Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-early-indicators-of-developmental-language-disorder-should-a-paediatrician-watch-for
- When should a doctor refer suspected DLD for developmental therapy?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-a-doctor-refer-a-child-with-suspected-developmental-language-disorder-for-developmental-therapy
- Can DLD be cured? The hopeful, honest answer: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-developmental-language-disorder-be-cured
- Can Developmental Language Disorder be prevented?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-developmental-language-disorder-be-prevented
- Should I be worried my child might have Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/developmental-language-disorder-03-should-i-be-worried-my-child-might-have-developmental-l
- Do boys show Developmental Language Disorder differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-boys-show-developmental-language-disorder-differently
- Do girls show Developmental Language Disorder differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-girls-show-developmental-language-disorder-differently
- How a Frontline Health Worker Can Spot Possible DLD Early: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-frontline-health-worker-spot-a-child-with-possible-developmental-language-disorder-early
- Early Signs of Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-developmental-language-disorder
- Early signs of Developmental Language Disorder in a 1-year-old boy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-developmental-language-disorder-in-a-1-year-old-boy

### Explore causes & influences
- Contributing factors for Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-known-contributing-factors-for-developmental-language-disorder-in-early-childhood
- Are Boys More Likely to Have Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-boys-more-likely-to-have-developmental-language-disorder
- Are girls more likely to have Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-girls-more-likely-to-have-developmental-language-disorder
- How early DLD intervention advances UNCRPD child rights and the SDGs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-early-intervention-for-developmental-language-disorder-advance-un-child-rights-uncrpd-and-the-sdgs
- What Causes Developmental Language Disorder in Young Children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-developmental-language-disorder-in-young-children
- Cost-Effectiveness of Early Therapy for Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-cost-effectiveness-of-early-therapy-for-developmental-language-disorder-in-young-children
- Prevalence and Public-Health Burden of DLD in India: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-prevalence-and-public-health-burden-of-developmental-language-disorder-among-young-children-in-india

### Understand assessment
- Recommended DLD Screening and Diagnostic Pathway in Children Under 7: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-recommended-screening-and-diagnostic-pathway-for-developmental-language-disorder-in-children-under-7
- How AbilityScore tracks progress in Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-abilityscore-track-progress-in-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- Assessing Developmental Language Disorder in a Young Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-developmental-language-disorder-assessed-in-a-young-child
- How is Developmental Language Disorder assessed in children under 7?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-developmental-language-disorder-assessed-in-children-under-7
- What an AbilityScore of 0–100 Means for a Child with DLD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- What does an AbilityScore of 100–200 mean for a child with DLD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- What an AbilityScore of 200–300 Means in DLD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- AbilityScore 300–400 and Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- What does an AbilityScore of 400–500 mean for a child with DLD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- AbilityScore 500–600 and Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- What does an AbilityScore of 600–700 mean for a child with Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-600-700-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- What does an AbilityScore of 700–800 mean for a child with Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-700-800-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder

### Explore therapy & support
- How Developmental Language Disorder Is Diagnosed in a Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-developmental-language-disorder-diagnosed-in-a-child
- How Caregivers Can Support a Child with DLD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/as-a-grandparent-or-caregiver-how-can-i-support-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-day-to-day
- Can a Child with Developmental Language Disorder Attend a Mainstream School?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-attend-a-mainstream-school
- Can a Child with DLD Attend a Regular School?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-attend-a-regular-school
- Can a child with DLD grow up to live independently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-grow-up-to-live-independently
- How a Teacher Can Help a Child with DLD Learn: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-classroom-teacher-help-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-take-part-and-learn
- Identifying and supporting under-7s with Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-district-early-intervention-programme-identify-and-support-children-under-7-with-developmental-language-disorder
- How a teacher can include and support a child with DLD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-teacher-include-and-support-a-young-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-in-a-mainstream-classroom
- How can we support communication development in a child with Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-we-support-communication-development-in-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- How Therapy Helps a Child with DLD Progress: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-therapy-help-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-make-progress
- How Developmental Language Disorder Is Supported Through Therapy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-developmental-language-disorder-supported-through-therapy
- Your Child's DLD AbilityScore®: What to Do Next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-has-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-what-should-we-do-next

### At home & in everyday life
- How can I support my child with Developmental Language Disorder at home?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-support-my-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-at-home