According to experts, around 1 in 10 children under the age of 5 experience mental health issues.
Crosswalk from DC:0-5™ to DSM-5 and ICD-10
Use this diagnostic crosswalk to compare disorders classified in DC:0–5™ for infants and young children from birth through age five with the related DSM-5 and ICD-10 terminology.
Learn more about these diagnoses and how they're referred to in the DC:0-5™, DSM-5, and ICD-10.
This crosswalk is a diagnostic classification and coding guide for early childhood mental health professionals working with children from birth through age five. It helps professionals compare DC:0–5™ diagnoses with the closest diagnostic equivalent and terminology in the DSM-5 and ICD-10 during clinical assessment, documentation, and service planning.
We developed this crosswalk as a guide, and the mappings are not always exact. Some DC:0–5™ diagnoses may have only an approximate mapping to a broader DSM-5 diagnosis or ICD-10 category.
States and agencies may also need to adapt the links between DC:0–5™, DSM-5, and ICD-10 codes based on their service-delivery and coding policies.
What Is the Difference Between DC:0–5™, DSM-5, and ICD-10?
| System | Primary Purpose | Age or Population Focus | Role in the Crosswalk |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC:0–5™ | Provides developmentally informed diagnoses that account for developmental and relational context. | Infants, toddlers, and young children from birth to age five. | Serves as the starting point for identifying the corresponding diagnosis in the other systems. |
| DSM-5 | Establishes diagnostic criteria for mental health diagnoses. | Children, adolescents, and adults. | Provides the closest DSM-5 equivalent to each DC:0–5™ diagnosis. |
| ICD-10 | Classifies health conditions using standardized diagnostic terminology and codes. | People of all ages. | Provides the corresponding ICD-10 diagnosis and diagnostic code used for documentation and, when applicable, administrative or billing requirements. |
DC:0–5™
DC:0–5™ stands for the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood. It supports developmentally informed diagnosis by considering how symptoms present in infants, toddlers, and young children from birth to age five. It also accounts for developmental differences, caregiving relationships, and the broader relational context in which a young child’s mental health is assessed.
DSM-5
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, provides standardized diagnostic criteria for mental health diagnoses across age groups. Because its categories are not exclusively designed for children from birth to age five, a DC:0–5™ diagnosis may map to the closest DSM-5 equivalent rather than an exact match.
ICD-10
The International Classification of Diseases, or ICD-10, classifies health conditions using standardized diagnostic names and codes. In this crosswalk, each ICD-10 diagnosis and diagnostic code helps connect DC:0–5™ and DSM-5 terminology with the classifications used for clinical documentation and applicable administrative or billing requirements. Organizations should verify which codes are accepted under their current state, agency, and payer policies.
Important Limitations Before Using the Codes
This crosswalk is a guide and does not replace clinical judgment, a complete assessment, or code verification by a qualified professional. Diagnostic mappings, codes, and policies can change, and states and agencies may need to adapt the links between DC:0–5™, DSM-5, and ICD-10 based on their service-delivery policies.
State agencies, Medicaid programs, and individual payers may have different coding, service eligibility, documentation, and reimbursement requirements. Always verify the current code and applicable policies before using a mapping for clinical, administrative, or billing purposes.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders in early childhood encompass a range of conditions affecting the growth and function of the brain and nervous system, impacting behavior, cognition, and motor skills. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly enhance developmental outcomes, supporting children in achieving optimal cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
DC:0–5™ uses developmentally specific diagnoses for infants and young children, so some conditions may map to broader diagnostic categories in the DSM-5 or ICD-10.
| DC:0-5™ | DSM-5 | ICD-10 | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autism Spectrum Disorder | Autism Spectrum Disorder | Childhood Autism | F84.0 |
| Early Atypical Autism Spectrum Disorder | Other Specified Neurodevelopmental Disorder | Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Unspecified | F84.9 |
| Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder | Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder | Disturbance of Activity and Attention | F90.1 |
| Overactivity Disorder of Toddlerhood | Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation | Disturbance of Activity and Attention | F90.1 |
| Global Developmental Delay | Global Developmental Delay | Other Disorders of Psychological Development, Global Developmental Delay | F88 |
| Developmental Language Disorder | Language Disorder | Developmental Disorder of Speech and Language, Unspecified | F80.9 |
| Developmental Coordination Disorder | Developmental Coordination Disorder | Specific Developmental Disorder of Motor Function (Developmental Coordination Disorder) | F82 |
| Other Neurodevelopmental Disorder | Unspecified Neurodevelopmental Disorder | Unspecified Disorder of Psychological Development | F89 |
Sensory Processing Disorders
Sensory processing disorders in toddlers affect how they interpret and respond to sensory information, such as sounds, textures, and movement, often leading to challenges in behavior, attention, and motor skills. Early identification and tailored interventions can greatly support toddlers in developing adaptive responses, helping them thrive in various environments and social interactions.
Because the DSM-5 and ICD-10 do not provide exact equivalents for these developmentally specific conditions, multiple DC:0–5™ sensory diagnoses map to Other Specified Neurodevelopmental Disorder and ICD-10 code F88.
| DC:0-5™ | DSM-5 | ICD-10 | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensory Over-Responsivity Disorder | Other Specified Neurodevelopmental Disorder | Other Disorders of Psychological Development | F88 |
| Sensory Under-Responsivity Disorder | Other Specified Neurodevelopmental Disorder | Other Disorders of Psychological Development | F88 |
| Other Sensory Processing Disorder | Other Specified Neurodevelopmental Disorder | Other Disorders of Psychological Development | F88 |
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders in toddlers can manifest as intense, persistent fears or worries that interfere with their ability to explore and engage confidently with the world around them. Early support and interventions can help toddlers build emotional regulation skills and reduce the impact of anxiety on their social and cognitive development, fostering resilience as they grow.
The table below provides the closest DSM-5 equivalents and ICD-10 codes for early childhood anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalized anxiety and selective mutism.
| DC:0-5™ | DSM-5 | ICD-10 | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separation Anxiety Disorder | Separation Anxiety Disorder | Separation Anxiety Disorder of Childhood | F93.0 |
| Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) | Social Anxiety Disorder | (Social Phobia) Social Anxiety Disorder of Childhood | F93.2 |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder | Generalized Anxiety Disorder | Generalized Anxiety Disorder | F41.1 |
| Selective Mutism | Selective Mutism | Selective Mutism | F94.0 |
| Inhibition to Novelty Disorder | Other Specified Anxiety Disorder | Other Specified Anxiety Disorder | F41.8 |
| Other Anxiety Disorder of Infancy/Early Childhood | Other Specified Anxiety Disorder | Other Specified Anxiety Disorder | F41.8 |
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders in young children, including depression, irritability, and dysregulated anger, can affect play, relationships, and emotional development. Because DC:0–5™ describes how these conditions present during early childhood, a DC:0–5™ mood diagnosis may correspond to a broader DSM-5 or ICD-10 category.
Early interventions focusing on emotional support and secure attachments can help toddlers build a strong foundation for emotional health, positively influencing their long-term social and cognitive outcomes.
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) in young children may appear as repetitive behaviors or fixations that interfere with daily activities and exploration. Early identification and intervention, tailored to support their developmental stage, can help toddlers manage these behaviors, promoting healthier interactions and adaptive coping skills as they grow.
| DC:0-5™ | DSM-5 | ICD-10 | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | F42.1 |
| Tourette’s Disorder | Tourette’s Disorder | Tourette’s Disorder | F95.2 |
| Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder | Persistent (Chronic) Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder | Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder | F95.1 |
| Trichotillomania | Trichotillomania | Trichotillomania | F63.3 |
| Skin Picking Disorder of Infancy/Early Childhood | Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder | Factitial Dermatitis, Neurotic Excoriation | L98.1 |
| Other Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders | Unspecified Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Unspecified | F42.9 |
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) in young children may appear as repetitive behaviors or fixations that interfere with daily activities and exploration. Early identification and intervention, tailored to support their developmental stage, can help toddlers manage these behaviors, promoting healthier interactions and adaptive coping skills as they grow.
| DC:0-5™ | DSM-5 | ICD-10 | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | F42.1 |
| Tourette’s Disorder | Tourette’s Disorder | Tourette’s Disorder | F95.2 |
| Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder | Persistent (Chronic) Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder | Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder | F95.1 |
| Trichotillomania | Trichotillomania | Trichotillomania | F63.3 |
| Skin Picking Disorder of Infancy/Early Childhood | Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder | Factitial Dermatitis, Neurotic Excoriation | L98.1 |
| Other Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders | Unspecified Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Unspecified | F42.9 |
Sleep, Eating, and Crying Disorders
Sleep, eating, and crying disorders in toddlers can significantly impact their development, often leading to challenges in emotional regulation, physical growth, and social engagement. Early intervention, including supportive routines and caregiver guidance, can improve toddlers’ sleep patterns, eating habits, and ability to self-soothe, fostering overall health and resilience as they develop.
| DC:0-5™ | DSM-5 | ICD-10 | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep Onset Disorder | Insomnia Disorder | Nonorganic Insomnia | F51.0 |
| Night Waking Disorder | Insomnia Disorder | Nonorganic Insomnia | F51.0 |
| Partial Arousal Sleep Disorder | Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Arousal Disorders – Sleep terror type | Sleep Terrors | F51.4 |
| Nightmare Disorder of Early Childhood | Nightmare Disorder | Nightmares | F51.5 |
Eating Disorders of Infancy/Early Childhood
| DC:0-5™ | DSM-5 | ICD-10 | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overeating Disorder | Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder | Overeating Associated with Other Psychological Disturbances | F50.4 |
| Undereating Disorder | Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder | Other Eating Disorders | F50.8 |
| Pica | Pica | Pica of Infancy and Childhood | F98.3 |
| Rumination | Rumination Disorder | Feeding Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood / Rumination Disorder of Infancy | F98.21 |
| Hoarding | Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder | Feeding Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood | F98.2 |
Crying
| DC:0-5™ | DSM-5 | ICD-10 | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive Crying Disorder | None listed | Nonspecific Symptoms Peculiar to Infancy (Excessive Crying in Infants) | R68.1 |
Other
| DC:0-5™ | DSM-5 | ICD-10 | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other Sleep, Eating, and Excessive Crying Disorder of Infancy/Early Childhood | Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder | Other Eating Disorders | F50.8 |
| Other Specified Sleep-Wake Disorder | Other Nonorganic Sleep Disorders | F51.8 | |
| Nonspecific Symptoms Peculiar to Infancy (Excessive Crying in Infants) | R68.11 |
Trauma, Stress, and Deprivation Disorders
Trauma and stress disorders in young children can result from early adverse experiences, affecting their ability to form secure attachments and manage emotions. Early, trauma-informed interventions, focusing on creating safe, nurturing relationships, are crucial for helping toddlers process these experiences, supporting healthier emotional and social development as they grow.
The table below provides the closest DSM-5 and ICD-10 codes for trauma- and stressor-related disorders in young children, including posttraumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, complicated grief, and attachment disorders.
| DC:0-5™ | DSM-5 | ICD-10 | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posttraumatic Stress Disorder | Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for Children 6 Years and Younger | Posttraumatic Stress Disorder | F43.10 |
| Adjustment Disorder | Adjustment Disorder, Unspecified | Adjustment Disorder – Unspecified | F43.20 |
| Complicated Grief Disorder | Other Specified Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorder (Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder) | Other Reactions to Severe Stress | F43.8 |
| Reactive Attachment Disorder | Reactive Attachment Disorder | Reactive Attachment Disorder | F94.1 |
| Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder | Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder | Disinhibited Attachment Disorder of Childhood | F94.2 |
| Other Trauma, Stress, and Deprivation Disorder | Unspecified Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorder | Reaction to Severe Stress, Unspecified | F43.9 |
Relationship Disorder
Relationship disorders in babies and young children, often rooted in difficulties forming secure attachments, can hinder their ability to connect and engage positively with caregivers and peers. Early interventions that foster trust, empathy, and consistent caregiving can help toddlers develop healthy relationships, laying a foundation for emotional resilience and social competence.
In this crosswalk, Relationship-Specific Disorder of Infancy/Early Childhood maps to Parent-Child Relational Problem (Z62.820). Z62.820 is a relational-problem code used to identify concerns involving the parent-child relationship, rather than a conventional mental disorder diagnosis assigned solely to the child. This reflects the importance of relational context when assessing the mental health of infants and young children.
| DC:0-5™ | DSM-5 | ICD-10 | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relationship Specific Disorder of Infancy/Early Childhood | Parent-Child Relational Problem | Other Specified Problems Related to Upbringing | Z62.820 |
Next Steps for Professionals
Professionals who want to apply DC:0–5™ in clinical practice can explore the DC:0–5™ Casebook and available DC:0–5™ training opportunities. The Casebook provides examples that support diagnostic formulation and clinical application, while training and continuing education can help professionals strengthen their assessment, diagnosis, and implementation skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About DC:0–5™, DSM-5, and ICD-10 Codes
No. Some DC:0–5™ diagnoses have a direct diagnostic equivalent, while others map to a broader or approximate category. In some cases, multiple diagnoses share an ICD-10 code. For example, several sensory processing disorders map to F88, while Sleep Onset Disorder and Night Waking Disorder both map to F51.0. A diagnosis may also have no listed DSM-5 equivalent, as shown for Excessive Crying Disorder.
Billing code acceptance depends on state-specific requirements, agency policy, Medicaid rules, payer requirements, and the services provided. A state or agency may use a different mapping to meet its clinical documentation, service eligibility, or reimbursement requirements. Confirm payer acceptance before using a code for billing.
Consult current ICD-10 coding references and review the applicable state, agency, Medicaid, and payer policies. Qualified professionals should verify current codes and documentation requirements before using a mapping for clinical, administrative, or billing purposes.
