ACL Levels
This ACL level involves automatic actions; the person may only respond to internal cues like hunger or pain.
What is ACL 1?
This progressive disorder affects memory, judgment, and executive functioning.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Breaking tasks into simple steps is a strategy used for clients at this ACL level (3.0-3.8).
What is task segmentation/chaining?
The ability to focus on a task without being distracted.
What is attention?
At this level (ACL 1), interventions focus on providing sensory stimulation and basic needs like comfort. Give examples.
What is positioning, gentle touch, passive ROM, or soothing sensory input?
At this level, a person can imitate demonstrated steps but may not recognize errors.
What is ACL 3?
A sudden cognitive impairment caused by disrupted blood flow to the brain.
What is a stroke/CVA?
Using timers, alarms, and checklists helps clients with this cognitive deficit.
What is impaired executive function?
The mental process of recalling past experiences or learned information.
What is memory?
For ACL 2, OTs use "rote motor actions" to engage in familiar, repetitive gross motor responses. Give examples:
What is folding towels, washing dishes, brushing hair, sorting silverware?
This level involves planned actions; the person can problem-solve and anticipate future steps.
What is ACL 5?
This disorder involves difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
What is ADHD?
This approach uses physical guidance to help clients learn motor tasks.
What is hand-over-hand assistance?
The ability to plan, organize, and manage time effectively.
What is executive functioning?
At ACL 3, this strategy involves demonstrating tasks step-by-step since clients can imitate but not self-correct.
What is modeling or guided imitation?
At this level, a person can learn new tasks through verbal instruction alone.
What is ACL 6?
A condition resulting from brain trauma, leading to memory loss and executive dysfunction.
What is traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
A strategy where OTs modify the environment to reduce distractions.
What is environmental adaptation?
A deficit in recognizing objects or people despite intact vision.
What is agnosia?
For ACL 4, OTs introduce structured routines with visual cues (e.g., checklists) to support goal-directed actions. These types of supports are called what?
What are external aids or environmental supports?
This level is characterized by goal-directed actions, but the person needs assistance to problem-solve.
What is ACL 4?
A decline in cognitive function due to medical conditions like infections or metabolic issues.
What is delirium?
This cognitive rehab method focuses on practicing real-life tasks in context.
What is functional task training?
The inability to carry out purposeful movements despite having the physical ability.
What is apraxia?
At ACL 5-6, clients benefit from problem-solving tasks, strategy training or meta-cognitive approaches. Give examples:
What is planning a meal, managing a schedule, budgeting, planning a trip using public transit?