Early identification of children with/at risk of developmental coordination disorder: a scoping review

AIM To summarize current evidence for early identification and motor-based intervention for children aged 5 years and younger with/at risk of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). METHOD Using scoping review methodology and after duplicates were removed, 11 115 peer-reviewed articles and grey literature were independently screened by two authors. Data from 103 included records were extracted and synthesized by both assessors. One author entered the relevant data into tables, while the other author double-checked the entries. RESULTS Records included peer-reviewed studies, guidelines, conference presentations, and theses/dissertations. Most literature pertained to early identification (n=78), with fewer studies targeting intervention (n=22) or covering both topics (n=3). Literature was summarized in two main categories: (1) assessments for diagnostic criteria A and B; and (2) motor-based interventions for young children with/at risk of DCD. This article highlights the findings related to assessments, while a companion article summarizes the intervention literature. INTERPRETATION Emerging evidence shows that children, especially those at greatest risk of DCD, may be identified before formal school entry. Earlier identification will allow for earlier intervention, which may help to improve the developmental trajectories of children with/at risk of DCD and prevent secondary consequences of the disorder. It is recommended that health care providers explicitly use the term 'at risk of DCD'.

Automated summary

This article summarizes current evidence for early identification and motor-based intervention for children aged 5 years and younger with/at risk of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Emerging evidence suggests that earlier identification may improve developmental trajectories and prevent secondary consequences of DCD in children at risk.