Like other developmental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, specific language impairment and dyslexia, there is no shortage of debate surrounding the condition of Developmental Coordination Disorder. The present article takes a global view of many of these debatable issues, starting with definition and terminology, moving through diagnosis, assessment and aetiology to intervention. In each section there is coverage of each of the areas together with an identification of the issues and debates that surround them. Where appropriate, the preceding articles in the current special issue are brought in to highlight particular points. The article finishes by noting the importance of movement skills in everyday life, the problems that can arise if they are less than satisfactory and calls for a concerted interdisciplinary effort to approach some of the major issues in the field. (Contains 1 table.)