Developmental Language Disorder
SNOMED CT concept for Developmental Language Disorder
In SNOMED CT, Developmental Language Disorder maps to the concept 'Developmental language disorder (disorder)' (SCTID 702988008), corresponding to ICD-11 6A01.2. SNOMED CT supports EHR documentation and interoperability; ICD-11 supports statistical classification. Always verify the SCTID against the current release.
A precise code keeps a child's record interoperable — DLD must map cleanly from ICD-11 to SNOMED CT for clinical exchange.
In short
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is represented in SNOMED CT by the concept Developmental language disorder (disorder), SCTID 702988008. In the WHO classification it sits at ICD-11 6A01.2 — Developmental language disorder, within developmental speech or language disorders. SNOMED CT is the structured clinical terminology used for EHR documentation and interoperability, while ICD-11 serves statistical and morbidity classification; the two are complementary, not interchangeable. Always confirm the SCTID against your current SNOMED CT International or India edition release, as concepts are versioned and may be refined.The terminology, briefly
DLD denotes a persistent difficulty acquiring and using language — expressive, receptive, or both — that is not attributable to hearing loss, intellectual disability, neurological injury or an associated biomedical condition. When DLD co-occurs with a known differentiating condition (e.g. autism, sensorineural hearing loss), the construct is more precisely termed Language Disorder associated with that condition, per the CATALISE consensus. In SNOMED CT this maps to descendants under developmental language disorder; in ICD-11, qualifiers within the 6A01 block capture associated features. For coding workflows: use SNOMED CT at the point of care for granularity and post-coordination, and the ICD-11 6A01.2 stem for reporting. Verify mappings via the official SNOMED-ICD map files rather than assuming a one-to-one correspondence.When this matters clinically
- Documentation — record the SNOMED concept alongside the functional profile, not in place of it.
- Referral & data exchange — consistent coding enables longitudinal tracking across speech-language pathology, audiology and paediatric services.
- Differential — exclude hearing impairment and global developmental delay before applying the DLD construct.
The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — coding follows clinical formulation, never the reverse. Our speech therapy teams document against recognised terminologies so that a child's record travels cleanly between services. Learn how we establish a baseline via the clinician-administered AbilityScore®, part of how [Pinnacle](/) supports every family's journey.Trusted sources
WHO ICD-11 (6A01.2, Developmental language disorder); SNOMED International browser for current SCTID and ICD map files; ASHA practice resources on DLD terminology and the CATALISE consensus framework.Next step — Confirm the live SCTID in your SNOMED CT release, then anchor it to a functional profile. Partner with a Pinnacle centre for assessment-led documentation.
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
Confirm the SCTID against your current SNOMED CT International or India edition release, and check the official SNOMED-to-ICD map rather than assuming one-to-one correspondence.
Try this at home
Record the SNOMED concept alongside a functional language profile, not in place of it — and exclude hearing loss and global delay before applying the DLD construct.
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 SNOMED CT concept ID for Developmental Language Disorder?
It is represented by 'Developmental language disorder (disorder)', SCTID 702988008. Always confirm against your current SNOMED CT release, as concepts are versioned and may be refined.
How does the SNOMED CT concept relate to ICD-11?
DLD sits at ICD-11 6A01.2. SNOMED CT is used for point-of-care documentation and interoperability with post-coordination, while ICD-11 serves statistical and morbidity reporting. Use the official SNOMED-to-ICD map files rather than assuming a one-to-one match.
When should I use 'Language Disorder associated with' instead?
When DLD co-occurs with a known differentiating condition such as autism or sensorineural hearing loss, the CATALISE consensus prefers 'Language Disorder associated with' that condition. SNOMED descendants and ICD-11 6A01 qualifiers capture these associated features.