ICD Codes for Autism
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in the United States is estimated at 1 in every 54 children. Research has also established that people with ASD have a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders than the general population, with estimates ranging from 11% to 84%. As a result, it is essential for medical professionals and insurance companies to be familiar with the relevant
ICD codes for anxiety to document and bill for services related to ASD properly.
To give you a more in-depth understanding of ASD-related disorders, here are the most common ICD codes for autism:
F84.0: Childhood Autism
Childhood autism, also known as classic autism or autistic disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior in children under the age of three.
Children with autism may struggle to make eye contact, respond to their names, and participate in social interactions. They may also have delayed language development or lack verbal communication. Repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping or toy lining are common, as is resistance to changes in routine or environment.
Other symptoms of childhood autism include:
- Difficulty understanding social cues and emotions
- Lack of interest in playing with other children
- Obsessive interests in specific topics or objects
- Sensory sensitivities or aversions, such as to loud noises or certain textures
- Difficulty with coordination or fine motor skills
F84.1: Atypical Autism
This type of PDD-NOS differs from childhood autism in onset age or failure to meet all three diagnostic criteria. The symptoms of F84.1 are similar to those of F84.0, but they are less severe and may not meet all of the requirements for F84.0. Typical symptoms include:
- Difficulty with nonverbal communication, such as making eye contact or understanding facial expressions
- Repetitive movements or behaviors, such as rocking, spinning, or flapping their hands
- Difficulty processing sensory information, such as sounds, textures, or smells
- Struggle to interact with others and form meaningful relationships
- Delays in motor, cognitive, or language development
F84.2: Rett Syndrome
A condition, so far only found in girls, in which normal early development is followed by partial or complete loss of speech, locomotion, and hand use skills, as well as a slowing of head growth, usually between the ages of seven and 24 months. This disorder is co-diagnosed with speech therapy disorders in some cases, so knowledge of
ICD codes for speech therapy may be required.
Other symptoms include:
- Irregular breathing patterns, such as hyperventilation, breath-holding, or apnea
- Abnormal eye movements, such as rapid blinking or gaze avoidance
- Difficulty walking or an unsteady gait
- Increased risk of developing scoliosis, a curvature of the spine.
F84.3: Other Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
A type of pervasive developmental disorder characterized by a period of entirely normal development preceding the onset of the disease, followed by a definite loss of previously acquired skills in several growth areas over a few months. Typically, this is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- General loss of interest in the environment
- Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms
- Autistic-like social interaction and communication abnormalities
- Some cases may be linked to encephalopathy (any disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure)
F84.4: Overactive Disorder Associated With Mental Retardation and Stereotyped Movements
A disorder that isn't well-defined and whose validity as a diagnosis is uncertain. The category is intended to include children with severe mental retardation (IQ less than 35) who have serious problems with hyperactivity, attention, and stereotypical behavior. They usually don't benefit from stimulant drugs, unlike people with an IQ in the normal range, and may have a severe dysphoric reaction (sometimes with psychomotor retardation) when given them.
During adolescence, overactivity is usually replaced by under-activity (a pattern that is not usual in hyperkinetic children with normal intelligence). This syndrome is also often linked to specific or global developmental delays. No one knows how much the behavior pattern is caused by a low IQ or damage to the brain's structure.
F84.5: Asperger Syndrome
A disorder with unclear diagnostic validity marked by the same kinds of problems with social interaction as autism and a limited, stereotypical, and repetitive set of interests and activities. It is different from autism mostly because there isn't a general delay or slowing down in language or cognitive development. People with this disorder are often very clumsy. There is a high chance that the problems will still be there in adolescence and as an adult. There are times when young adults have psychotic episodes.