Expressive language disorder

This code represents a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in spoken and written language production, despite intact language comprehension. Individuals with this disorder struggle with vocabulary acquisition, grammar, and sentence structure, impacting their ability to express thoughts and needs effectively.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a primary deficit in expressive language skills, such as limited vocabulary, grammatical errors, or difficulty forming complex sentences, without significant impairment in understanding spoken or written language. This diagnosis is typically made after a comprehensive speech-language pathology evaluation.

• Differentiate carefully from mixed receptive-expressive language disorder; if receptive language is also impaired, use the appropriate F80.2 code.
• Ensure documentation specifies that the language difficulties are not due to intellectual disabilities, pervasive developmental disorders, or acquired neurological conditions.
• Avoid using this code if the primary issue is selective mutism or an acquired aphasia.