Autism Diagnosis ICD | Cadabam's Child Development Center
As a parent, the first time you hear the term autism diagnosis in ICD it can feel overwhelming. Will your child be labelled? Will therapy be covered? Which code does the doctor write? This guide breaks down the official International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes used in India so you know exactly what to expect—and how Cadabams CDC can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
1. What Are ICD Codes for Autism?
ICD codes are short alphanumeric labels doctors use to record, treat, and bill for medical conditions. For autism diagnosis in ICD, two versions are currently in use:
ICD-10 Code F84 – Pervasive Developmental Disorders
- Used by most Indian hospitals until the full rollout of ICD-11
- Covers Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s, PDD-NOS, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder under one umbrella
ICD-11 Code 6A02 – Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Newer version adopted by the WHO in 2018
- Combines all sub-types into a single spectrum with severity indicators
- Streamlines research and insurance claims worldwide
Why ICD Classification Matters for Assessment & Funding
- Insurance pre-authorisation: Companies like Star Health and ICICI Lombard ask for the correct ICD code.
- School concessions: CBSE, IB, and state boards reference ICD codes for SEN (Special Educational Needs) certificates.
- Government schemes: Niramaya and Samarth require ICD-10 or ICD-11 proof for enrolment.
2. ICD-10 vs ICD-11 Autism Criteria at a Glance
| Feature | ICD-10 F84 | ICD-11 6A02 |
|---|---|---|
| Disorder grouping | Separate sub-categories | Single spectrum |
| Age of onset clause | Symptoms before 3 yrs | Flexible onset wording |
| Severity levels | Not specified | 3 support-need levels |
| Social-only specifier | No | “Without intellectual impairment” option |
Changes in Symptom Grouping & Flexibility
- ICD-11 merges repetitive behaviours and restricted interests into one domain.
- Sensory issues are now an explicit criterion.
- Clinicians can note co-occurring ADHD, anxiety, or epilepsy without “excluding” autism.
Impact on Clinical Practice & Research
- Faster consensus between doctors across countries.
- Easier data-sharing in global autism studies.
- Parents see less paperwork when switching hospitals.
3. Step-by-Step Autism Diagnostic Process
Initial Screening Tools Used
- M-CHAT-R/F (24 yes/no items for toddlers)
- CAST (39 items for 4–11 yrs)
- SCQ (40 items completed by parents) If the screen is positive, a full evaluation follows.
Comprehensive Clinical Assessment Instruments
- ADOS-2 – Play-based observation lasting 40–60 min
- ADI-R – In-depth parent interview (90–120 min)
Multidisciplinary Team Evaluation
Cadabams CDC brings together:
- Developmental paediatrician
- Clinical psychologist
- Speech-language therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Special educator Together they match observed behaviours to ICD criteria and decide on the correct code.
4. ICD-11 Severity Levels & Support Needs
These levels guide therapy goals and school placement.
Level 1 – Requiring Support
- Mild social communication differences
- Therapy focus: social skills groups, classroom accommodations
Level 2 – Requiring Substantial Support
- Marked communication gaps, limited initiation
- Therapy focus: daily living skills, AAC devices if needed
Level 3 – Requiring Very Substantial Support
- Severe verbal and non-verbal challenges
- Therapy focus: intensive 1:1 sessions, parent training, sensory diets