- F84
- Developmental Disorders
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 RangeF80-F89
- Subcodes8 subcodes
- Australian PrevalenceApproximately 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 PrevalenceWHO 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 RequirementChildhood 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
- Childhood autism (F84.0): classic presentation with onset before 3
- Atypical autism (F84.1): atypical age of onset or incomplete symptom profile
- Asperger syndrome (F84.5): no significant language or cognitive delay
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 | Abnormal or impaired development before age three in social interaction, communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviour. Includes infantile autism and Kanner syndrome. |
| F84.1 | Atypical autism | Differs from childhood autism in age of onset or failure to fulfil all three sets of diagnostic criteria. Often occurs in profoundly intellectually disabled individuals. |
| F84.2 | Rett syndrome | A condition found so far only in girls, in which normal early development is followed by partial or complete loss of acquired hand skills and of speech. |
| F84.3 | Other childhood disintegrative disorder | Normal development for at least two years followed by definite loss of previously acquired skills, accompanied by abnormalities of social functioning. |
| F84.4 | Overactive disorder associated with intellectual disability and stereotyped movements | Severe overactivity, motor stereotypies, and moderate-to-severe intellectual disability. |
| F84.5 | Asperger syndrome | Qualitative abnormalities of reciprocal social interaction similar to autism but without clinically significant delays in language or cognitive development. |
| F84.8 | Other pervasive developmental disorders | Other specified pervasive developmental conditions. |
| F84.9 | Pervasive developmental disorder, unspecified | Pervasive developmental disorder where the specific type is 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.
8 assessment + 20 treatment services per lifetime
| 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 |
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
Grounded Scribe suggests the right MBS item codes from your recording so you can claim accurately without re-keying.
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
Other validated instruments commonly used alongside the Pervasive Developmental Disorders / Autism Spectrum (F84).
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Pervasive Developmental Disorders / Autism Spectrum (F84).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does ICD-10-AM autism coding map to DSM-5-TR?
DSM-5-TR uses a single diagnosis of "Autism Spectrum Disorder" with three severity levels. F84.0 (Childhood autism), F84.1 (Atypical autism), F84.5 (Asperger syndrome), and F84.9 all map to Autism Spectrum Disorder in DSM-5-TR. Rett syndrome (F84.2) is no longer classified as an ASD in DSM-5-TR.
Is Asperger syndrome still a valid diagnosis?
In ICD-10-AM (still used in Australian hospitals), Asperger syndrome (F84.5) remains a valid code. However, the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 have subsumed it under Autism Spectrum Disorder. Australian clinicians may use either system depending on the clinical context.
What NDIS support is available for autism in Australia?
NDIS funding can cover therapy services (speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology), assistive technology, support workers, and early intervention services. Eligibility is based on functional impact rather than the specific diagnostic code used.
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.
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.
Document sessions for patients with autism spectrum disorder
Grounded Scribe automatically generates clinical notes from your sessions, saving hours of documentation time.
Start Documenting in Minutes. Not Hours.
Free plan. No credit card. Cancel anytime.