{"h1":"ICD-11 Classification for Specific Learning Disability","faq":[{"a":"In ICD-11-MMS, the condition is termed Developmental learning disorder and coded 6A03, within the Neurodevelopmental disorders grouping.","q":"What is the ICD-11 code for Specific Learning Disability?"},{"a":"6A03.0 with impairment in reading, 6A03.1 with impairment in written expression, 6A03.2 with impairment in mathematics, 6A03.3 with other specified impairment, and 6A03.Z unspecified.","q":"What are the 6A03 subtypes in ICD-11?"},{"a":"ICD-11 replaces the broad term 'specific learning disability' with 'developmental learning disorder' and requires domain-specific specification, persistence for at least six months despite intervention, and exclusion of intellectual, sensory and neurological causes.","q":"How does ICD-11 differ from older terminology?"},{"a":"It generally becomes diagnostically meaningful from around 6–8 years, once structured academic instruction has been delivered; before this, developmental surveillance rather than formal labelling is appropriate.","q":"At what age can a developmental learning disorder be diagnosed?"}],"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-specific-learning-disability","title":"ICD-11 Classification for Specific Learning Disability","entity":{"key":"sld","kind":"condition","name":"Specific Learning Disability","slug":null},"lenses":[{"kind":"stakeholder","label":"Doctor","value":"doctor"},{"kind":"domain","label":"Cognitive","value":"cognitive"},{"kind":"intent","label":"Definition","value":"definition"},{"kind":"lifecycle","label":"Screen","value":"screen"},{"kind":"route","label":"Special-Education","value":"special-education"},{"kind":"empowerment","label":"Early Clarity","value":"early_clarity"}],"parent":{"key":"conditions","label":"Conditions"},"related":[{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-dysgraphia-written-expression-impairment","title":"ICD-11 Classification of Dysgraphia (6A03.1)"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-dyslexia-reading-impairment","title":"ICD-11 Classification for Dyslexia (Reading Impairment)"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-are-the-types-or-levels-of-specific-learning-disability","title":"What are the types or levels of Specific Learning Disability?"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-intellectual-disability","title":"ICD-11 Classification for Intellectual Disability (6A00)"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-developmental-language-disorder","title":"ICD-11 Classification for Developmental Language Disorder"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-specific-learning-disability-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood","title":"What is Specific Learning Disability, and what are its ICD-11 features in early childhood?"}],"summary":"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.","answer_md":"*A precise diagnostic label begins with the correct code — and in ICD-11 the term itself has shifted.*\n\n## In short\nIn ICD-11-MMS, what clinicians traditionally called *Specific Learning Disability* is classified as **Developmental learning disorder**, coded **6A03**, within the grouping of **Neurodevelopmental disorders**. It is characterised by significant and persistent difficulties acquiring academic skills — reading, written expression or mathematics — that fall substantially below expected levels for chronological age and are not better accounted for by intellectual developmental disorder, sensory impairment, neurological disorder or inadequate instruction.\n\n## The classification, precisely\nUnder **6A03 Developmental learning disorder**, ICD-11 specifies subtypes by the affected domain:\n- **6A03.0** — with impairment in reading\n- **6A03.1** — with impairment in written expression\n- **6A03.2** — with impairment in mathematics\n- **6A03.3** — with other specified impairment of learning\n- **6A03.Z** — unspecified\n\nDiagnosis requires that difficulties have persisted for **at least six months despite targeted intervention**, and that they manifest during the school-age years when academic demands exceed the child's capacities. Critically, ICD-11 frames this within the WHO **ICF** model of functioning — the diagnosis describes a pattern of skill acquisition relative to expectation, not a fixed ceiling. For most children, formal classification becomes meaningful only from around **6–8 years**, once structured academic instruction has been delivered; before this, a watch-and-monitor stance with developmental surveillance is appropriate rather than premature labelling.\n\n## The Pinnacle way\nDevelopmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional., under qualified clinician care — never from an online form or screen. Our clinicians map presenting difficulties against ICD-11 domains using a [structured, clinician-administered assessment](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated), then translate findings into a domain-specific support plan. Explore our [learning and academic-skills support pathways](/special-education) or begin from [our network overview](/).\n\n## Trusted sources\nWHO ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics — Developmental learning disorder (6A03); CDC *Learn the Signs. Act Early.* developmental milestone guidance; Indian Academy of Pediatrics; American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org).\n\n**Next step —** Have a child whose academic profile needs structured clinical evaluation? [Partner with a Pinnacle clinician](/special-education) to establish the right baseline.\n\nThis is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.","canonical":"https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-specific-learning-disability","editorial":{"reviewed_at":"2026-06-11T20:12:18.613642+00:00","reviewed_by":null,"developed_by":"SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network"},"alternates":[{"href":"https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-specific-learning-disability","lang":"en","indexable":true},{"href":"https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-specific-learning-disability-te","lang":"te","indexable":true}],"dimensions":[{"key":"conditions","label":"Conditions"}],"meta_title":"ICD-11 Code for Specific Learning Disability","meta_robots":"index, follow, max-image-preview:large","everyday_tip":"Before assuming a learning disorder, ensure the child has received adequate, consistent instruction and rule out vision and hearing concerns — ICD-11 explicitly excludes difficulties better explained by these factors.","published_at":"2026-06-10T10:52:00.07543+00:00","reading_paths":[{"key":"understand","items":[{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-specific-learning-disability-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood","title":"What is Specific Learning Disability, and what are its ICD-11 features in early childhood?","reason":"Linked from this answer"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-dyslexia-reading-impairment","title":"ICD-11 Classification for Dyslexia (Reading Impairment)","reason":"Linked from this answer"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-developmental-language-disorder","title":"ICD-11 Classification for Developmental Language Disorder","reason":"Linked from this answer"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-intellectual-disability","title":"ICD-11 Classification for Intellectual Disability (6A00)","reason":"Linked from this answer"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-are-the-types-or-levels-of-specific-learning-disability","title":"What are the types or levels of Specific Learning Disability?","reason":"Linked from this answer"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-dysgraphia-written-expression-impairment","title":"ICD-11 Classification of Dysgraphia (6A03.1)","reason":"Linked from this answer"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-snomed-ct-concept-for-specific-learning-disability","title":"What is the SNOMED CT concept for Specific Learning Disability?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-does-specific-learning-disability-affect-a-child-s-daily-life","title":"How Specific Learning Disability Affects a Child's Daily Life","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"is-specific-learning-disability-considered-a-disability","title":"Is Specific Learning Disability considered a disability?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"is-specific-learning-disability-genetic-or-hereditary","title":"Is Specific Learning Disability genetic or hereditary?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-are-common-myths-about-specific-learning-disability","title":"What are common myths about Specific Learning Disability?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-causes-specific-learning-disability-in-children","title":"What causes Specific Learning Disability in children?","reason":"Same topic"}],"label":"Understand the subject","total":16},{"key":"signs","items":[{"lang":"en","slug":"what-clinical-red-flags-for-specific-learning-disability-warrant-referral-in-a-young-child","title":"Clinical red flags for Specific Learning Disability referral","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-early-indicators-of-specific-learning-disability-should-a-paediatrician-watch-for","title":"Early Indicators of Specific Learning Disability","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"when-should-a-doctor-refer-a-child-with-suspected-specific-learning-disability-for-developmental-therapy","title":"When should a doctor refer a child with suspected SLD for developmental therapy?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"can-specific-learning-disability-be-cured","title":"Can Specific Learning Disability be cured?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"can-specific-learning-disability-be-prevented","title":"Can Specific Learning Disability be prevented?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"do-boys-show-specific-learning-disability-differently","title":"Do boys show Specific Learning Disability differently?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"do-girls-show-specific-learning-disability-differently","title":"Do girls show Specific Learning Disability differently?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-can-a-frontline-health-worker-spot-a-child-with-possible-specific-learning-disability-early","title":"How a frontline health worker can spot possible SLD early","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-are-the-early-signs-of-specific-learning-disability","title":"Early Signs of Specific Learning Disability","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-are-the-early-signs-of-specific-learning-disability-in-a-1-year-old-boy","title":"Early Signs of Specific Learning Disability in a 1-Year-Old Boy","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-are-the-early-signs-of-specific-learning-disability-in-a-1-year-old-girl","title":"Early Signs of Specific Learning Disability in a 1-Year-Old Girl","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-are-the-early-signs-of-specific-learning-disability-in-a-12-to-18-month-old","title":"Early Signs of Specific Learning Disability at 12–18 Months","reason":"Same topic"}],"label":"Recognise signs & concerns","total":44},{"key":"causes","items":[{"lang":"en","slug":"what-are-the-known-contributing-factors-for-specific-learning-disability-in-early-childhood","title":"Contributing factors for Specific Learning Disability in early childhood","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"are-boys-more-likely-to-have-specific-learning-disability","title":"Are boys more likely to have Specific Learning Disability?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"are-girls-more-likely-to-have-specific-learning-disability","title":"Are girls more likely to have Specific Learning Disability?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-does-early-intervention-for-specific-learning-disability-advance-un-child-rights-uncrpd-and-the-sdgs","title":"Early Intervention for SLD: Advancing UNCRPD & the SDGs","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-causes-specific-learning-disability-in-young-children","title":"What causes Specific Learning Disability in young children?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-cost-effectiveness-of-early-therapy-for-specific-learning-disability-in-young-children","title":"Cost-effectiveness of early therapy for Specific Learning Disability","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-prevalence-and-public-health-burden-of-specific-learning-disability-among-young-children-in-india","title":"Prevalence and public-health burden of Specific Learning Disability in India","reason":"Same topic"}],"label":"Explore causes & influences","total":7},{"key":"assess","items":[{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-recommended-screening-and-diagnostic-pathway-for-specific-learning-disability-in-children-under-7","title":"Screening and diagnostic pathway for SLD in children under 7","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-does-abilityscore-track-progress-in-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"How AbilityScore Tracks Progress in Specific Learning Disability","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-is-specific-learning-disability-assessed-in-a-young-child","title":"How Specific Learning Disability Is Assessed in a Young Child","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-does-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"What an AbilityScore of 0–100 means for Specific Learning Disability","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-does-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"AbilityScore 100–200 and Specific Learning Disability","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-does-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"What does an AbilityScore of 200–300 mean for a child with Specific Learning Disability?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-does-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"What does an AbilityScore of 300–400 mean for a child with Specific Learning Disability?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-does-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"What does an AbilityScore of 400–500 mean for a child with Specific Learning Disability?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-does-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"What does an AbilityScore of 500–600 mean for a child with Specific Learning Disability?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-does-an-abilityscore-of-600-700-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"AbilityScore 600–700 in Specific Learning Disability","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-does-an-abilityscore-of-700-800-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"What an AbilityScore of 700–800 Means in Specific Learning Disability","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-does-an-abilityscore-of-800-900-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"AbilityScore® 800–900 in Specific Learning Disability","reason":"Same topic"}],"label":"Understand assessment","total":15},{"key":"therapy","items":[{"lang":"en","slug":"as-a-grandparent-or-caregiver-how-can-i-support-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-day-to-day","title":"Supporting a Child with Specific Learning Disability Day to Day","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"can-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-attend-a-mainstream-school","title":"Can a Child with Specific Learning Disability Attend Mainstream School?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"can-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-attend-a-regular-school","title":"Can a child with Specific Learning Disability attend a regular school?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"can-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-grow-up-to-live-independently","title":"Can a child with Specific Learning Disability grow up to live independently?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-can-a-classroom-teacher-help-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-take-part-and-learn","title":"How a Teacher Can Help a Child with Specific Learning Disability","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-can-a-district-early-intervention-programme-identify-and-support-children-under-7-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"Identifying and supporting under-7s with Specific Learning Disability","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-can-a-teacher-include-and-support-a-young-child-with-specific-learning-disability-in-a-mainstream-classroom","title":"Supporting a Child with Specific Learning Disability in a Mainstream Classroom","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-can-we-support-cognitive-development-in-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability","title":"How can we support cognitive development in a child with Specific Learning Disability?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-does-therapy-help-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-make-progress","title":"How Therapy Helps a Child with Specific Learning Disability Progress","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-is-specific-learning-disability-diagnosed-in-a-child","title":"How is Specific Learning Disability diagnosed in a child?","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"how-is-specific-learning-disability-supported-through-therapy","title":"How Specific Learning Disability Is Supported Through Therapy","reason":"Same topic"},{"lang":"en","slug":"my-child-with-specific-learning-disability-has-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-what-should-we-do-next","title":"Your Child's SLD AbilityScore: What to Do Next","reason":"Same topic"}],"label":"Explore therapy & support","total":60}],"what_to_watch":"Persistent difficulty acquiring reading, writing or maths skills below age expectation that continues beyond six months of targeted classroom support, typically becoming clinically meaningful from around 6–8 years.","authority_links":[{"url":"https://icd.who.int/browse11","code":"6A03","label":"WHO ICD-11 — Developmental learning disorder"},{"url":"https://www.cdc.gov/child-development","label":"CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early."},{"url":"https://www.healthychildren.org","label":"American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)"}],"last_reviewed_at":"2026-06-10T10:52:00.07543+00:00","meta_description":"Specific Learning Disability is classified in ICD-11 as Developmental learning disorder, code 6A03, with subtypes for reading, writing and mathematics.","related_materials":[],"related_techniques":[]}