Allen Cognitive Levels

Level 1: Automatic Actions

• Client may be bedridden, sits with support, or moves trunk/limbs only

• Activities should reduce the number of stimuli and provide only planned stimulation of sensory systems

Level 3: Manual Actions

Client demonstrates grasp/release, repetitive actions, speaks in short phrases, looks at effects of actions and follows cues to complete the next step

Activities are simple with repetitive actions

Level 2: Postural Actions

• Client stands, has righting actions, walks, names body parts, steps up/over, and pushes/pulls

• Activities should allow for planned gross motor actions

Level 4: Goal-Directed Actions

• Client is independent in doing routine activities, identifies and sustains goals for 1 hour, locates supplies, learns new structured procedure

• Activities promote working with other patients to accomplish a shared goal

Level 5: Exploratory Actions

• Clients discover how to improve actions through overt trial and error; however demonstrate impulsivity and poor judgement

• activities permit variation, allowing results to be easily seen and corrected

Level 6: Planned Actions

• Client understands safety precautions, uses information gained by reading, and anticipates consequences

• Activities permit variation in the selection and planning of steps

• Clients are encouraged to have choice to simulate problem-solving, sharing of plans, and working with others

doing a wood working project

it is goal directed problem solving activity most effective for level 4

assembling multiple place settings

is repetitive and involve manipulation of objects best for level 3

making a mosaic tile

goal oriented problem solving planning and safety in tool use most effective for level 4 or 5

tossing a large soft ball

repeated postural actions and gross motor movement activities most effective for level 2