Stereotyped Movement Disorder
ICD-11 Classification of Stereotyped Movement Disorder (6A06)
In ICD-11-MMS, Stereotyped Movement Disorder is coded 6A06 within Neurodevelopmental disorders — persistent, repetitive, purposeless motor behaviour beginning in the developmental period, specified with or without self-injury and whether associated with another condition. Diagnosis is established only by a qualified clinician.
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
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, 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 — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Stereotypies that cause self-injury, appear newly in an older child, change in pattern, or co-occur with skill regression warrant prompt paediatric neurology review rather than therapy-first planning.
Try this at home
When documenting, specify with/without self-injury and any associated condition (e.g. ASD or disorder of intellectual development) — this sharpens both the 6A06 coding and the downstream support plan.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
What is the ICD-11 code for Stereotyped Movement Disorder?
It is 6A06 in the ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (ICD-11-MMS), classified within the grouping of Neurodevelopmental disorders.
How does ICD-11 distinguish stereotyped movements from tics?
Stereotypies are typically rhythmic, sustained and seemingly purposeless without a premonitory urge, whereas tics (coded under 8A05) are sudden, non-rhythmic and often preceded by an urge. The pattern guides the correct code.
Does ICD-11 separate stereotypies with and without self-injury?
Yes. ICD-11 asks clinicians to specify presentations with self-injury versus without, and whether the stereotyped movement is associated with another condition such as autism spectrum disorder or a disorder of intellectual development.
Can Stereotyped Movement Disorder be coded alongside autism?
When stereotypies are fully accounted for by autism spectrum disorder (6A02), ASD is typically the primary code. 6A06 is used when stereotyped movement itself is the focus of clinical attention or causes self-injury.