ICD-11 Classification of Stereotyped Movement Disorder (6A06)

Clinicians need the exact ICD-11 coordinates before mapping function to intervention — here they are, with the boundaries that matter.

In short

In the ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (ICD-11-MMS), Stereotyped Movement Disorder is coded 6A06, sitting within the grouping of Neurodevelopmental disorders. It denotes persistent, repetitive, seemingly purposeless (and often rhythmic) motor behaviour — for example hand-flapping or shaking, body-rocking, head-banging or self-biting — that emerges in the early developmental period and is not better accounted for by another condition or the direct effects of a substance.

The classification, precisely

Under ICD-11, 6A06 Stereotyped Movement Disorder is characterised by voluntary, repetitive, stereotyped movements that begin during the developmental period. The framework distinguishes presentations with self-injury from those without, and asks the clinician to specify whether the stereotypies are associated with another condition (for example a disorder of intellectual development or autism spectrum disorder). The behaviours must be sufficiently severe to interfere with activities, cause distress, or result in self-injury to warrant the designation.

Key differential boundaries for coding:

• Tic disorders (8A05) — tics are typically sudden, non-rhythmic and preceded by premonitory urge, distinct from the rhythmic, sustained pattern of stereotypies.
• Autism spectrum disorder (6A02) — where stereotypies are fully accounted for, the primary code may be ASD; 6A06 is used when stereotyped movement is the focus of clinical attention.
• Movements due to substances, medication or another neurological disorder are excluded.

When to refer

Escalate promptly where stereotypies cause self-injury, show recent onset or change in an older child, or co-occur with regression — these warrant paediatric neurology review before therapy-first planning. Otherwise a structured developmental assessment clarifies function and a support plan.

The Pinnacle way

Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional., under qualified clinician care — never from an online form. From there a child's repetitive-movement profile is mapped to function and a graded plan. Explore Pinnacle Blooms Network, our occupational therapy pathway, and how the AbilityScore is established.

Trusted sources

WHO ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics, entry for Stereotyped Movement Disorder (6A06); WHO ICF framework for functioning.

Next step — Partner with a Pinnacle clinician to translate the 6A06 coding into a function-led assessment and support plan.

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