title: [Development Inventory as a Diagnosis Tool in Children with Participation Difficulties in School Activities].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In recent years, evidence regarding acquisition of skills or critic behaviors for school performance has increased though there it is not conclusive in terms of the effectiveness in class participation. The purpose is to define the elements implicated in the acquisition of such skills or critical behaviors and describe them from the perspective of school activities involving participation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive, observational study with a sample of 28 preschool and primary school students during September 2008 and March 2009 at a public institution in the city of Cali, Colombia. The procedure was the identification of child performance capabilities using Battell's developmental inventory to describe afterwards the repercussions on student's participation in school activities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  61.5% of the children show motor difficulties; 56% exhibit socio and personal difficulties, while 46.2% reveal adaptive difficulties. These areas are fundamental for school participation in the different activities. These children have not developed the ability for an integrated control of their muscles. They also exhibit difficulties regarding social interactions and regarding the skills necessary in the performance of daily activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results found in this study suggest the need to enhance the study on the relevance to develop motor, personal-social, and adaptive skills in cooperation with developmental professionals. It is necessary to know and learn strategies in cooperation with the developmental professionals.
authors.affiliation: Terapeuta ocupacional. Magíster en Educación. Profesora asistente del Programa Académico de Terapia Ocupacional, Escuela de Rehabilitación Humana, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia. Electronic address: maria.rubio@correounivalle.edu.co.
authors.forename: Helena Rubio G
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: María
keywords: Rendimiento escolar bajo; Underachievement; actividades cotidianas; activities of daily living; child development; desarrollo infantil