FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 Document 9

Impairment categories guide

SGP KP Publishing

Exported on 2026-03-03 05:09:55

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

Table of Contents

1 Recent updates …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4

2 Using the Impairments categories guide ………………………………………………………………… 5

3 Conditions…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6 3.1 Autism (ASD) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6 3.2 Acquired brain injury …………………………………………………………………………………….––––– 6 3.3 Intellectual disability ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 7 3.4 Other conditions/syndromes with intellectual disability ……………………………………………… 7 3.5 Hearing impairment ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 9 3.6 Vision …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 3.7 Other sensory ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9 3.8 Neurological ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 3.9 Other physical ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12 3.10 Psychosocial ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13 3.11 Spinal cord injury ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 14 3.12 Other …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14 3.13 Dementia related conditions …………………………………………………………………………….. 16

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

This article provides guidance for all NDIA staff and partners to understand which impairment categories to select for a person that meets the disability or early intervention requirements.

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

1 Recent updates

15 December 2025 Guidance updated to reflect new and updated impairment categories information in the Impairment validation report. Added link to new article: Understand highly likely and commonly associated impairment categories.

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

2 Using the Impairments categories guide

Before you consider adding an impairment category, check if you need to request advice from TAPIB. For more information see TAPIB Mandatory and Non-Mandatory Advice Requests.

Access delegates will determine a participant’s impairment categories following an access met decision, or an application to change impairment categories information.

Impairments are a loss of or damage to a body’s function. When we assess an impairment to meet access, we look at:

• the body’s function
• the body’s structure
• how the person thinks and learns.

Evidence from national and international sources, and peak organisation websites were reviewed to determine the impairments related to disability-related conditions or diagnoses. These sources include the:

• International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
• International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
• National Institute of Health (NIH)
• Australian Government: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

To learn more about:

• impairment categories, go to article Descriptions of impairment categories
• highly likely and commonly associated impairment categories, go to article Understand highly likely and commonly associated impairment categories.

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

3 Conditions

The following list provides you with information on the:

• condition
• ICD 10 Codes
• highly likely impairment category for access assessors to select
• commonly associated impairment categories for access assessors to select as relevant, based on evidence provided.

Note: if the participant’s condition isn’t listed here, consider the evidence to determine which impairment categories apply to their impairment or impairments.

Impairment categories may also relate to the participant when the condition isn’t listed in this guide, as long as:

• there is evidence of this, and
• they cover impairments for which the participant meets the disability or early intervention eligibility requirements.

You may wish to use the Ctrl+F function on your keyboard to find specific conditions in this guide.

Note: if a child is younger than 6 with developmental delay, then the impairment categories don’t apply.

3.1 Autism (ASD)

1. Autism - ASD - includes Asperger syndrome ICD 10 Codes: F84.0, F84.5 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Intellectual, cognitive, physical, psychosocial

3.2 Acquired brain injury

1. Glioblastoma ICD 10 Code: G71.9 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, psychosocial

2. Hypoxic brain injury ICD 10 Code: G93.1 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, psychosocial

3. Traumatic brain injury – also called head injury and acquired brain damage ICD 10 Code: T90

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, psychosocial

4. Stroke ICD 10 Code: I69 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, sensory, psychosocial

5. Malignant neoplasm of brain ICD 10 Code: C71 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, psychosocial

3.3 Intellectual disability

1. Mild intellectual disability ICD 10 Code: F70 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, psychosocial

2. Moderate intellectual disability ICD 10 Code: F71 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, physical, psychosocial

3. Severe intellectual disability ICD 10 Code: F72 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, physical, psychosocial

4. Profound intellectual disability ICD 10 Code: F73 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, physical, psychosocial

5. Unspecified intellectual disability ICD 10 Code: F79 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, psychosocial

3.4 Other conditions/syndromes with intellectual disability

1. Microcephaly ICD 10 Code: Q02 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

2. Other congenital brain conditions – for example, tuberous sclerosis ICD 10 Code: Q04 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, physical

3. Cornelia de Lange syndrome ICD 10 Code: Q87.1 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, psychosocial

4. Prader Willi syndrome ICD 10 Code: Q87.1 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, physical, psychosocial

5. Coffin-Lowry syndrome ICD 10 Code: Q87.8 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, psychosocial

6. Other congenital conditions causing intellectual disability ICD 10 Code: Q89 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, psychosocial

7. Edwards syndrome ICD 10 Code: Q91 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, psychosocial

8. Patau syndrome ICD 10 Code: Q91 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, psychosocial

9. Cri du Chat syndrome ICD 10 Code: Q93.4 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, sensory, physical

10. Angelman syndrome ICD 10 Code: Q93.5 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, physical

11. Other chromosomal syndromes - including Kabuki & Williams syndromes ICD 10 Code: Q99 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, sensory,

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

physical, psychosocial

12. Fragile X syndrome ICD 10 Code: Q99.2 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual for males, cognitive for females Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, psychosocial

13. Down syndrome ICD 10 Code: Q90 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, sensory

3.5 Hearing impairment

1. Hearing loss ICD 10 Code: H90 Highly likely impairment category: Sensory Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

2. Congenital hearing condition ICD 10 Code: Q16.9 Highly likely impairment category: Sensory Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

3.6 Vision

1. Albinism ICD 10 Code: E70.3 Highly likely impairment category: Sensory Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

2. Visual impairment - including blindness ICD 10 Code: H54 Highly likely impairment category: Sensory Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

3. Congenital eye conditions ICD 10 Code: Q15.9 Highly likely impairment category: Sensory Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

3.7 Other sensory

1. Deaf Blindness – dual sensory impairment ICD 10 Code: Z73.82 Highly likely impairment category: Sensory Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, psychosocial

2. Other sensory – speech ICD 10 Code: R47

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

Highly likely impairment category: Sensory Commonly associated impairment category: Physical

3.8 Neurological

1. Multiple sclerosis ICD 10 Code: G35 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, sensory, physical, psychosocial

2. Rett syndrome ICD 10 Code: 84.2 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Intellectual, cognitive, physical, psychosocial

3. Cerebral palsy ICD 10 Code: G80 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Intellectual, cognitive, physical, sensory

4. Huntington disease ICD 10 Code: G10 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, psychosocial

5. Motor neurone disease ICD 10 Code: G12.2 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, sensory, psychosocial

6. Parkinson’s disease ICD 10 Code: G20 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, sensory, physical, psychosocial

7. Epilepsy ICD 10 Code: G40 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Intellectual, cognitive, psychosocial

8. Muscular dystrophy ICD 10 Code: G71.0 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment category: Physical

9. Other Neurological – List A and List C ICD 10 Code: G99 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, sensory, physical

10. Tourette syndrome ICD 10 Code: F95.2 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, psychosocial

11. Peripheral neuropathy ICD 10 Code: F90.0 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Sensory, physical

12. Plegia ICD 10 Code: G83.1 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment category: Physical

13. Spina bifida ICD 10 Code: Q05 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Intellectual, cognitive, sensory, physical

14. Fetal alcohol syndrome ICD 10 Code: Q86.0 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Intellectual, cognitive, sensory, physical, psychosocial

15. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) ICD 10 Code: Q86.0D Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Intellectual, cognitive, sensory, physical, psychosocial

16. Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) ICD 10 Code: F90 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

17. Developmental language disorder ICD 10 Code: F80.9 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

18. Chronic regional pain syndrome ICD 10 Code: G90.5 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment category: Physical

19. Brachial plexus injury ICD 10 Code: S14.3 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment category: Physical

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

20. Dysgraphia ICD 10 Code: F81.8 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment category: Physical

21. Functional seizures ICD 10 Code: F44.5 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment category: Psychosocial

3.9 Other physical

1. Rheumatoid arthritis ICD 10 Code: M05 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

2. Other arthritis ICD 10 Code: M12 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

3. Other physical ICD 10 Code: M95 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Psychosocial

4. Multiple traumatic amputations ICD 10 Code: T05 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, psychosocial

5. Myopathy ICD 10 Code: G72.9 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

6. Amputation – single limb or upper/lower limb ICD 10 Code: Z89 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, psychosocial

7. Amputation – multiple ICD 10 Code: Z89.1 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, neurological, psychosocial

8. Diabetes mellitus ICD 10 Code: E14 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Sensory

9. Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) ICD 10 Code: B22

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

10. Other unspecified infectious diseases ICD 10 Code: B99 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

3.10 Psychosocial

1. Schizophrenia ICD 10 Code: F20 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

2. Schizoaffective disorder ICD 10 Code: F25.9 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

3. Bipolar affective disorder ICD 10 Code: F31 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

4. Major depressive illness ICD 10 Code: F32 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

5. Other anxiety disorders ICD 10 Code: F41 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

6. Obsessive-compulsive disorder ICD 10 Code: F42 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

7. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ICD 10 Code: F43 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

8. Borderline personality disorder ICD 10 Code: F60.3 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

9. Other psychosocial disorders ICD 10 Code: F99 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

10. Anorexia ICD 10 Code: R63 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical

3.11 Spinal cord injury

1. Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord complete and incomplete ICD 10 Codes: C72.5, C72.7 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Sensory, physical

2. Spinal cord injury (complete) ICD 10 Code: T09.5 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Sensory, physical, psychosocial

3. Spinal cord injury (incomplete) ICD 10 Code: T09.7 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Physical, sensory, psychosocial

3.12 Other

1. Metastatic cancer ICD 10 Code: C79.9 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

2. Malignant neoplasm of blood or immune disease ICD 10 Code: C96 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

3. Autoimmune disorders ICD 10 Code: D89.9 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

4. Obesity ICD 10 Code: E66 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Psychosocial

5. Classical phenylketonuria ICD 10 Code: E70.0 Highly likely impairment category: Cognitive Commonly associated impairment category: Psychosocial

6. Disorders of pyruvate metabolism and gluconeogenesis ICD 10 Code: E74.4 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

Commonly associated impairment categories: Neurological, physical

7. Other metabolic disorders ICD 10 Code: E88 Highly likely impairment category: Intellectual Commonly associated impairment categories: Neurological, physical

8. Functional neurological disorder (FND) ICD 10 Code: F44.4 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, sensory, physical

9. Other language disorder ICD 10 Code: F80 Highly likely impairment category: Cognitive Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

10. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) ICD 10 Code: F91.3 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

11. Other hereditary ataxias ICD 10 Code: G11.8 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, sensory, physical

12. Chronic pain ICD 10 Code: G89.4 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment categories: Neurological, sensory, psychosocial

13. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) ICD 10 Code: I49.8 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment category: Physical

14. Lymphoedema ICD 10 Code: I89.0 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

15. Chronic lung disease ICD 10 Code: J44.9 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

16. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ICD 10 Code: J44.9A Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

17. Osteoarthritis ICD 10 Code: M19.9

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

18. Systemic lupus erythematosus ICD 10 Code: M32 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

19. Ankylosing spondylitis ICD 10 Code: M45 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

20. Fibromyalgia ICD 10 Code: M79.7 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Neurological

21. Renal failure ICD 10 Code: N18 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

22. Ehlers Danlos ICD 10 Code: Q79.6 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

23. Dyslexia ICD 10 Code: R48 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

24. Childhood apraxia of speech ICD 10 Code: R48.2 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

25. Short stature ICD 10 Code: R62.5 Highly likely impairment category: Physical Commonly associated impairment category: Not applicable

26. Conduct Disorder (CD) ICD 10 Code: F91.9 Highly likely impairment category: Psychosocial Commonly associated impairment category: Cognitive

3.13 Dementia related conditions

1. Alzheimer’s disease ICD 10 Code: F00 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological

FOI 25/26-2132 & FOI 25/26 -2133 SGP KP Publishing – Impairment categories guide

Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, psychosocial

2. Unspecified dementia ICD 10 Code: F03 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, psychosocial

3. Dementia – rapidly progressing ICD 10 Code: F03.9 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, psychosocial

4. Dementia – early onset ICD 10 Code: G30.0 Highly likely impairment category: Neurological Commonly associated impairment categories: Cognitive, physical, psychosocial