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Allen Cognitive Levels: An Introduction to Theory & Assessment: Summary
• Information Processing Model : Aims to explain how information is encoded into memory. It is based on the idea that humans do not merely respond to stimuli from the environment. Instead, humans process the information they receive ○ Four phases: ■ Encoding ■ Filtering ■ Retrieving: pulling information into active consciousness ■ Storing information *Mental energy or processing speed influences all four phases of the IP model. • Biopsychosocial Model : Considers the whole person perspective and the view that biological, psychological, and social factors all play a significant role in understanding human functioning: ○ Can Do : What is biologically realistic for safe participation in everyday activities ○ Will Do : What is psychologically relevant to the person, such as motivation, values, and interests ○ May Do : What is socially and environmentally possible (i.e., family and caregiver support, financial resources, transportation, accessibility, legal factors, cultural beliefs and expectations) • Task Analysis and Equivalence : A method of breaking down a complex task into smaller, manageable steps (task analysis) while considering the different ways those steps can be performed to achieve the same outcome (equivalence). Therapists utilize both processes to identify activities that are: ○ Meaningful ○ Realistic ○ Matched to the individual's functional cognitive capacity ○ Safe • Hierarchy of Cognitive Complexity of Activity Demands: ○ The ACL-5 provides two purposes: an analysis of the cognitive complexity of: ■ The functional cognitive capacities of individuals ■ The activity demands of activities • Postural Actions : Small, automatic movements that help people maintain balance and body alignment (2.0-2.8): ○ Goal-directed Actions : Behaviors that are intentionally chosen and executed to achieve a specific outcome (4.0-4.8) • Evidence-based Concepts and Definitions : ○ Modes: An observable functional cognitive behavior characteristic ○ Cognitive Levels: Prominent, observable, voluntary motor action scored 1-6: ■ Modes X Cognitive Levels: 26 modes of performance
INTRODUCTION
MODULE 1 Allen Cognitive Levels Screen (5th ed)
A standardized assessment that provides a quick estimate of global functional cognitive capacity for individuals with suspected or diagnosed cognitive impairments . Scores are criterion-referenced using the Allen Cognitive Scale Levels and Modes of Performance. LEARNING TIP!
It takes approximately 15-30 minutes to be administered by an occupational therapist and other licensed practitioners (PT or SLP), who incorporate cognitive-based approaches within their scope of practice.
History and Development • 1985 : First version and instructions published in Occupational Therapy for Psychiatric Diseases: Measurement and Management of Cognitive Disabilities • 1992 : Large Allen Cognitive Level Screen (LACL) made available for individuals with visual and/or hand function impairments Developed within the Cognitive Disabilities Model (CDM) Framework • Focuses on understanding functional cognition , or “information processing capacity applied at the performance skill level” • Understanding abilities is accomplished through systematic, skilled observation of people as they perform activities. For example, the ACL-5 utilizes three visuospatial-motor stitching tasks of increasing complexity: ○ Running stitch ○ Whipstitch ○ Cordovan stitch • Target populations (appropriate for ages 6 years to elderly): ○ Dementia ○ Traumatic and/or acquired brain injuries ○ Substance use disorders, addiction ○ Psychiatric disorders (mood, schizophrenia) ACL-5 Theoretical Frameworks • Functional Cognition : How an individual utilizes and integrates his or her thinking and processing skills to accomplish everyday activities in clinical and community living environments. This is the primary concept rooted in the CDM
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