# ICD-11 Classification for Specific Learning Disability

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

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.

*A precise diagnostic label begins with the correct code — and in ICD-11 the term itself has shifted.*

## In short
In 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.

## The classification, precisely
Under **6A03 Developmental learning disorder**, ICD-11 specifies subtypes by the affected domain:
- **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 of learning
- **6A03.Z** — unspecified

Diagnosis 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.

## The Pinnacle way
Developmental 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](/).

## Trusted sources
WHO 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).

**Next step —** Have a child whose academic profile needs structured clinical evaluation? [Partner with a Pinnacle clinician](/special-education) to establish the right baseline.

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

## Sources
- WHO ICD-11 — Developmental learning disorder: https://icd.who.int/browse11
- CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early.: https://www.cdc.gov/child-development
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org): https://www.healthychildren.org

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Conditions: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/conditions
- Doctor: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/doctor
- Cognitive: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/cognitive
- 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 Specific Learning Disability, and what are its ICD-11 features in early childhood?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-specific-learning-disability-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood
- ICD-11 Classification for Dyslexia (Reading Impairment): https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-dyslexia-reading-impairment
- ICD-11 Classification for Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-developmental-language-disorder
- ICD-11 Classification for Intellectual Disability (6A00): https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-intellectual-disability
- What are the types or levels of Specific Learning Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-types-or-levels-of-specific-learning-disability
- ICD-11 Classification of Dysgraphia (6A03.1): https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-dysgraphia-written-expression-impairment
- What is the SNOMED CT concept for Specific Learning Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-snomed-ct-concept-for-specific-learning-disability
- How Specific Learning Disability Affects a Child's Daily Life: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-specific-learning-disability-affect-a-child-s-daily-life
- Is Specific Learning Disability considered a disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-specific-learning-disability-considered-a-disability
- Is Specific Learning Disability genetic or hereditary?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-specific-learning-disability-genetic-or-hereditary
- What are common myths about Specific Learning Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-common-myths-about-specific-learning-disability
- What causes Specific Learning Disability in children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-specific-learning-disability-in-children

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Clinical red flags for Specific Learning Disability referral: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-clinical-red-flags-for-specific-learning-disability-warrant-referral-in-a-young-child
- Early Indicators of Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-early-indicators-of-specific-learning-disability-should-a-paediatrician-watch-for
- When should a doctor refer a child with suspected SLD for developmental therapy?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-a-doctor-refer-a-child-with-suspected-specific-learning-disability-for-developmental-therapy
- Can Specific Learning Disability be cured?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-specific-learning-disability-be-cured
- Can Specific Learning Disability be prevented?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-specific-learning-disability-be-prevented
- Do boys show Specific Learning Disability differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-boys-show-specific-learning-disability-differently
- Do girls show Specific Learning Disability differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-girls-show-specific-learning-disability-differently
- How a frontline health worker can spot possible SLD early: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-frontline-health-worker-spot-a-child-with-possible-specific-learning-disability-early
- Early Signs of Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-specific-learning-disability
- Early Signs of Specific Learning Disability in a 1-Year-Old Boy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-specific-learning-disability-in-a-1-year-old-boy
- Early Signs of Specific Learning Disability in a 1-Year-Old Girl: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-specific-learning-disability-in-a-1-year-old-girl
- Early Signs of Specific Learning Disability at 12–18 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-specific-learning-disability-in-a-12-to-18-month-old

### Explore causes & influences
- Contributing factors for Specific Learning Disability in early childhood: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-known-contributing-factors-for-specific-learning-disability-in-early-childhood
- Are boys more likely to have Specific Learning Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-boys-more-likely-to-have-specific-learning-disability
- Are girls more likely to have Specific Learning Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-girls-more-likely-to-have-specific-learning-disability
- Early Intervention for SLD: Advancing UNCRPD & the SDGs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-early-intervention-for-specific-learning-disability-advance-un-child-rights-uncrpd-and-the-sdgs
- What causes Specific Learning Disability in young children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-specific-learning-disability-in-young-children
- Cost-effectiveness of early therapy for Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-cost-effectiveness-of-early-therapy-for-specific-learning-disability-in-young-children
- Prevalence and public-health burden of Specific Learning Disability in India: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-prevalence-and-public-health-burden-of-specific-learning-disability-among-young-children-in-india

### Understand assessment
- Screening and diagnostic pathway for SLD in children under 7: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-recommended-screening-and-diagnostic-pathway-for-specific-learning-disability-in-children-under-7
- How AbilityScore Tracks Progress in Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-abilityscore-track-progress-in-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability
- How Specific Learning Disability Is Assessed in a Young Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-specific-learning-disability-assessed-in-a-young-child
- What an AbilityScore of 0–100 means for Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability
- AbilityScore 100–200 and Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability
- What does an AbilityScore of 200–300 mean for a child with Specific Learning Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability
- What does an AbilityScore of 300–400 mean for a child with Specific Learning Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability
- What does an AbilityScore of 400–500 mean for a child with Specific Learning Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability
- What does an AbilityScore of 500–600 mean for a child with Specific Learning Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability
- AbilityScore 600–700 in Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-600-700-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability
- What an AbilityScore of 700–800 Means in Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-700-800-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability
- AbilityScore® 800–900 in Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-800-900-mean-for-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability

### Explore therapy & support
- Supporting a Child with Specific Learning Disability Day to Day: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/as-a-grandparent-or-caregiver-how-can-i-support-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-day-to-day
- Can a Child with Specific Learning Disability Attend Mainstream School?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-attend-a-mainstream-school
- Can a child with Specific Learning Disability attend a regular school?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-attend-a-regular-school
- Can a child with Specific Learning Disability grow up to live independently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-grow-up-to-live-independently
- How a Teacher Can Help a Child with Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-classroom-teacher-help-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-take-part-and-learn
- Identifying and supporting under-7s with Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-district-early-intervention-programme-identify-and-support-children-under-7-with-specific-learning-disability
- Supporting a Child with Specific Learning Disability in a Mainstream Classroom: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-teacher-include-and-support-a-young-child-with-specific-learning-disability-in-a-mainstream-classroom
- How can we support cognitive development in a child with Specific Learning Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-we-support-cognitive-development-in-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability
- How Therapy Helps a Child with Specific Learning Disability Progress: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-therapy-help-a-child-with-specific-learning-disability-make-progress
- How is Specific Learning Disability diagnosed in a child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-specific-learning-disability-diagnosed-in-a-child
- How Specific Learning Disability Is Supported Through Therapy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-specific-learning-disability-supported-through-therapy
- Your Child's SLD AbilityScore: What to Do Next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-specific-learning-disability-has-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-what-should-we-do-next