Understand the ins and outs of CPT codes to help make documentation and billing more efficient — and give you more time to focus on other areas of your practice.
Diagnosis codes for autism spectrum disorder are included in the ICD-10 under the section “Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders.”
Autism exists on a spectrum, which means it can impact people’s lives to varying degrees. The term "high-functioning autism" was previously used but is now considered outdated, as functioning labels do not accurately reflect an individual’s strengths and challenges. Instead, some autistic people are described as having lower support needs, meaning they may require less assistance in daily life while still experiencing differences in communication, sensory processing, or other areas.
While medical terminology about autism includes the word “disorder,” it’s important to note that many autism organizations are moving away from pathologizing language. People with autism may not see autism as a disorder they have, but it is who they are.
Although it’s commonly associated with children, many adults also experience symptoms of autism; it can be diagnosed at any age. Autism diagnosis requires formal testing from a licensed and trained professional.
