Aim To summarize current evidence for early identification and motor‐based intervention for children aged 5 years and younger of age with/at risk of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Method Using scoping review methodology, we independently screened over 11 000 articles and selected those that met inclusion criteria. Results Of the 103 included articles, 78 articles were related to early identification and are summarized in a companion article. Twenty‐two articles focused on early intervention, with an additional three articles covering both early identification and intervention. Most intervention studies were at a low level of evidence, but provide encouraging evidence that early intervention is beneficial for young children with/at risk of DCD. Direct intervention can be provided to whole classes, small groups, or individuals according to a tiers of service delivery model. Educating and building the capacity of parents and early childhood educators are also key elements of early intervention. Interpretation Evidence for early intervention for children with/at risk of DCD is emerging with promising results. Further studies are needed to determine best practice for early intervention and whether intervening early can prevent the negative developmental trajectory and secondary psychosocial consequences associated with DCD.

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’.