# ICD-11 Classification for Developmental Language Disorder

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-developmental-language-disorder
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

In ICD-11-MMS, Developmental Language Disorder is coded 6A01.2, within 6A01 Developmental speech or language disorders under the Neurodevelopmental disorders block. It marks persistent language difficulties arising in the developmental period, below age expectations, not explained by sensory, neurological or intellectual causes.

*A precise code keeps every referral, report and therapy plan speaking the same clinical language — and for Developmental Language Disorder, that code is 6A01.2.*

## In short
In **ICD-11-MMS**, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is classified under code **6A01.2**, sitting within **6A01 Developmental speech or language disorders**, itself part of the **Neurodevelopmental disorders** grouping (block 6A0). It denotes persistent difficulties in the acquisition, understanding, production or use of language — spoken or signed — that emerge in the developmental period, fall substantially below age expectations, and are not better accounted for by sensory impairment, neurological condition or intellectual disability.

## The classification, precisely
Within ICD-11, **6A01 Developmental speech or language disorders** carries several specified entities, and 6A01.2 is the **receptive and expressive / expressive language** strand of developmental language disorder. The official ICD-11 framework provides subcategories distinguishing the predominant language domain affected:

- **6A01.20** — DLD with impairment of receptive and expressive language
- **6A01.21** — DLD with impairment of mainly expressive language
- **6A01.22** — DLD with impairment of mainly pragmatic language
- **6A01.23** — DLD with other specified language impairment

Diagnostic essentials are persistence over time, onset in the developmental period, and functional impact, with the differential excluding hearing loss, autism spectrum disorder as the primary explanation, and disorders of intellectual development. ICD-11 deliberately replaces the older 'specific language impairment' terminology, aligning with the CATALISE consensus that favours *Developmental Language Disorder* as the working clinical label.

## When to refer
Refer for structured language assessment when a child shows persistent comprehension or expressive deficits disproportionate to overall development, limited two-word combinations by 24 months, or word-finding and sentence-formulation difficulties that constrain function across home and school settings. Speech-language pathology assessment with audiology clearance is the appropriate first line.

## The Pinnacle way
Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional., under qualified clinician care — never from a code alone or an online form. Coding documents the condition; the clinical profile guides the plan. Explore our [speech therapy pathway](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate), understand [how the AbilityScore® is established](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated), or [begin with us](/).

## Trusted sources
WHO ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics, Neurodevelopmental disorders chapter; WHO ICF framework of functioning; ASHA clinical resources on developmental language disorder.

**Next step —** Coding a case? [Partner with a Pinnacle clinical team](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) for assessment and a measurable language plan.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

## Sources
- WHO ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics: https://icd.who.int/browse11
- WHO ICF framework of functioning and disability: https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/frequently-asked-questions/the-international-classification-of-functioning-disability-and-health
- ASHA clinical resources on spoken language disorders: https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/spoken-language-disorders/

## 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
- Speech Therapy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/speech-therapy
- Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity

## Related question paths

### Understand the subject
- Developmental Language Disorder: ICD-11 Definition & Early Features: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-developmental-language-disorder-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood
- ICD-11 Classification for Speech and Language Delay: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-speech-and-language-delay
- ICD-11 Classification for Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-specific-learning-disability
- ICD-11 Classification of Social Communication Difficulties: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-social-communication-difficulties
- What is Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-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

### Recognise signs & concerns
- 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
- Early Signs of Developmental Language Disorder in a 1-Year-Old Girl: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-developmental-language-disorder-in-a-1-year-old-girl

### 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 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 Diagnosed in a Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-developmental-language-disorder-diagnosed-in-a-child
- 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