Specific developmental disorders of scholastic skills
Chapter 5:Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders
ICD-10 F81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of specific developmental disorders of scholastic skills.
Specific developmental disorders of scholastic skills encompass a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that primarily affect a child's ability to acquire academic skills. These disorders include dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia, which manifest as difficulties in reading, mathematics, and writing, respectively. Children with these disorders may exhibit average or above-average intelligence but struggle significantly in academic performance due to their specific learning disabilities. The etiology of these disorders is multifactorial, involving genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Diagnosis typically involves comprehensive assessments, including standardized testing and evaluations by educational psychologists or specialists. Early identification and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes, as children may benefit from tailored educational strategies, accommodations, and therapeutic support. It is important to differentiate these disorders from other neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and communication disorders, which may co-occur but have distinct diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches.
Detailed developmental history, educational assessments, and observations of academic performance.
Assessment of a child referred for academic struggles, evaluation of learning disabilities in school-aged children.
Consideration of co-existing conditions such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorders.
Comprehensive psychological evaluations, standardized test results, and behavioral observations.
Conducting assessments for learning disabilities, providing recommendations for educational interventions.
Need for collaboration with educational institutions for accurate diagnosis and intervention planning.
Used for comprehensive assessments of learning disabilities.
Detailed reports of testing results and recommendations.
Psychologists and educational specialists should collaborate for accurate coding.
F81 codes specifically address learning disabilities related to academic skills, while F80 codes pertain to communication disorders that may affect language and speech development.
Accurate coding requires thorough documentation of assessments, clear identification of the specific learning disorder, and consideration of any co-occurring conditions.
