Pervasive Developmental Disorders / Autism Spectrum (F84)
DSM-5-TR: Autism Spectrum Disorder
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
ICD-10 Range
F80-F89
Subcodes
8 subcodes
Australian Prevalence
Approximately 1 in 40 Australians (2.5%) are on the autism spectrum, according to ABS 2018 data. Autism is diagnosed 3-4 times more frequently in males. Adult diagnosis is increasingly recognised and available.
Global Prevalence
WHO estimates approximately 1 in 100 children worldwide are autistic. Prevalence estimates have increased substantially over recent decades due to broadened diagnostic criteria and increased awareness.
Duration Requirement
Childhood autism (F84.0): abnormal development before age 3. Other subtypes: variable onset requirements.
Overview
Pervasive developmental disorders involve qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interactions and communication patterns, along with a restricted, stereotyped, repetitive repertoire of interests and activities. These abnormalities are a pervasive feature of functioning in all situations. ICD-10-AM includes childhood autism, Asperger syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders.
Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)
Core Features
- Qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction
- Qualitative abnormalities in communication
- Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities
- Abnormal development evident before age three (for childhood autism)
- Pervasive across all situations
Duration
Childhood autism (F84.0): abnormal development before age 3. Other subtypes: variable onset requirements.
Severity Specifiers
Exclusion Criteria
- Schizophrenia (F20)
- Selective mutism (F94.0)
- Intellectual disability with no autistic features (F70-F79)
- Reactive attachment disorder (F94.1)
ICD-10-AM Subcodes
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F84.0 | Childhood autism | |
| F84.1 | Atypical autism | |
| F84.2 | Rett syndrome | |
| F84.3 | Other childhood disintegrative disorder | |
| F84.4 | Overactive disorder associated with intellectual disability and stereotyped movements | |
| F84.5 | Asperger syndrome | |
| F84.8 | Other pervasive developmental disorders | |
| F84.9 | Pervasive developmental disorder, unspecified |
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Childhood autism
- Infantile autism
- Kanner syndrome
- Atypical autism
- Asperger syndrome
- Rett syndrome
- Childhood disintegrative disorder
Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)
- Schizoid personality disorder (F60.1)
- Schizophrenia (F20)
Australian Clinical Context
In Australia, autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed and managed through multidisciplinary assessment. The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) provides funding for support services. Autism CRC and Amaze provide Australian-specific resources and guidelines. Diagnosis in children may involve paediatricians, psychologists, and speech pathologists. Adult diagnosis is increasingly recognised and available through specialist psychologists and psychiatrists.
Medicare (MBS) Pathways
Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders
A Medicare pathway for assessment and treatment of complex neurodevelopmental disorders and eligible disabilities in individuals under 25. Covers multi-disciplinary assessment and ongoing treatment.
| Provider Type | MBS Items | Session Type |
|---|---|---|
| Psychologist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
| Speech Pathologist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
| Occupational Therapist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
| Audiologist | 82000–82035 | Assessment |
| Physiotherapist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
Psychologist
Speech Pathologist
Occupational Therapist
Audiologist
Physiotherapist
GP referral items: Item 135 (paediatrician/psychiatrist referral)
Eligibility: Under 25 years with impairment across 2 or more neurodevelopmental domains requiring complex multi-domain support. Referral by paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Exclusions:
- ADHD alone (use standard Better Access pathway)
- Over 25 years of age
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Reference information sourced from MBS Online (mbsonline.gov.au). Item availability, rebates, and eligibility criteria may change. This is not billing advice — always verify current items before claiming. Last verified: April 2026.
Clinical Documentation Notes
The DSM-5-TR consolidated all ICD-10-AM pervasive developmental disorders (except Rett syndrome) into a single "Autism Spectrum Disorder" diagnosis with severity levels. ICD-10-AM retains the separate subtypes. In practice, Australian clinicians use both systems. The AQ-10 is a useful screening tool for adults. The CAT-Q measures camouflaging behaviours.
Related Assessment Tools
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Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Pervasive Developmental Disorders / Autism Spectrum (F84).
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- Autism CRC. National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
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This tool calculates scores based on published guidelines for professional reference. It does not provide clinical diagnoses. Scores are provided as reference information only and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of a comprehensive assessment.
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