Performance Skills
Performance Skills
General Overview
Performance Skills: Observable, goal-directed actions that result in the quality performance of occupations.
Categories of Performance Skills
Motor Skills
Definition: Small, observable actions related to moving oneself or moving and interacting with tangible objects.
Stabilizes
Moves through task environment and interacts with task objects without momentary propping or loss of balance.
Aligns
Interacts with task objects without evidence of persistent propping or persistent leaning.
Positions
Positions self at an effective distance from task objects and without evidence of awkward body positioning.
Reaches
Effectively extends the arm and, when appropriate, bends the trunk to grasp or place task objects that are out of reach.
Bends
Flexes or rotates the trunk appropriately to the task to grasp or place task objects that are out of reach or when sitting down.
Grips
Effectively pinches or grasps task objects such that the objects do not slip (e.g., from the person's fingers, between teeth).
Manipulates
Uses dexterous finger movements, without evidence of fumbling, when manipulating task objects.
Coordinates
Uses two or more body parts together to manipulate, hold, and/or stabilize task objects without any fumbling or slipping.
Moves
Effectively pushes or pulls task objects along a supporting surface, pulls to open or pushes to close doors and drawers, or pushes on wheels to propel a wheelchair.
Lifts
Effectively raises or lifts task objects without evidence of increased effort.
Walks
During task performance, ambulates on level surfaces without shuffling the feet, becoming unstable, propping, or using assistive devices.
Transports
Carries task objects from one place to another while walking or moving in a wheelchair.
Calibrates
Uses movements of appropriate force, speed, or extent when interacting with task objects.
Flows
Uses smooth and fluid arm and wrist movements when interacting with task objects.
Endurance
Persists and completes the task without showing obvious evidence of physical fatigue, pausing to rest, or stopping to catch one's breath.
Paces (motor)
Maintains a consistent and effective rate or tempo of performance throughout the entire task.
Process Skills
Definition: Small, observable actions related to selecting, interacting with, and using tangible task objects.
Pacing (process)
Maintains a consistent and effective rate or tempo of performance throughout the entire task.
Attends
Does not look away from task performance, maintaining ongoing task progression.
Heeds
Carries out and completes the task originally agreed on or specified by another.
Selects
Chooses necessary and appropriate type and number of tools and materials for the task, including those directed to use or specified.
Uses
Applies tools and materials as they are intended (e.g., uses a pencil sharpener to sharpen a pencil, not to sharpen a crayon) and hygienically.
Handles
Supports or stabilizes tools and materials appropriately, protecting them from being damaged, slipping, moving, or falling.
Inquires
Seeks needed verbal/written information by asking questions or reading directions/labels; does not ask for information when fully oriented to the task and aware of the answer.
Initiates
Starts or begins the next action or step without hesitation.
Persists
Performs single actions or steps without interruptions so that once an action or task is initiated, it continues without pauses or delays until completion.
Sequences
Performs steps in an effective or logical order without randomness, lack of logic, or inappropriate repetition.
Concludes
Brings completion to single actions or steps without inappropriate persistence or premature cessation.
Locates
Searches for tools and materials logically, both within and beyond the immediate environment.
Gathers
Collects related tools and materials into the same workspace and regathers those that have spilled, fallen, or been misplaced.
Organizes
Logically positions or spatially arranges tools and materials in an orderly fashion within a single workspace and between multiple workspaces to avoid spreading out or overcrowding.
Tidies/Restores
Puts away tools and materials in appropriate places and ensures immediate workspace is restored to its original condition.
Navigates
Moves the arm, body, or wheelchair without bumping into obstacles while moving in the task environment or interacting with objects.
Notices/Responds
Responds appropriately to (1) nonverbal task-related cues (e.g., heat, movement), (2) spatial arrangements of task objects, and (3) cupboard doors/drawers left open during task performance.
Adjusts
Overcomes problems with ongoing task performance effectively by moving to a new workspace, rearranging objects, or adjusting knobs, dials, or switches.
Accommodates (process)
Prevents ineffective performance of all other motor and process skills, asking for assistance only when appropriate.
Benefits
Prevents ineffective performance of all other skills from recurring or persisting.
Social Interaction Skills
Definition: Small, observable actions related to communicating and interacting with others while engaging in personally and ecologically relevant daily tasks.
Approaches
Initiates interaction with the social partner in a manner that is socially appropriate.
Disengages
Effectively terminates conversation, completing the topic and saying goodbye.
Produces Speech
Generates spoken, signed, or augmentative messages that are audible and clearly articulated.
Gesticulates
Uses socially appropriate gestures to communicate or support messages.
Speaks Fluently
Speaks in a fluent, continuous manner, with an even pace, without pauses.
Turns Towards
Actively positions or turns body/face toward the social partner.
Looks
Makes eye contact with the social partner.
Regulates
Does not demonstrate irrelevant, repetitive, or impulsive behaviors during interactions.
Inquires
Requests relevant facts/information and asks supporting questions.
Replies
Keeps conversation going by replying appropriately to questions and comments.
Discloses
Reveals personal opinions and feelings in a socially appropriate manner.
Expresses Emotion
Displays emotions in a socially appropriate way.
Disagrees
Expresses differences of opinion socially appropriately.
Thanks
Uses appropriate words and gestures to acknowledge receipt of services, gifts, or compliments.
Transitions
Handles conversation transitions smoothly, changing topics without disruption.
Times Response
Replies to social messages without delay/hesitation, not interrupting the social partner.
Times Duration
Maintains appropriate timing in conversations.
Turn Taking
Takes turns in conversation, allowing partners the freedom to do the same.
Matches Dialogue
Uses socially appropriate tone, dialect, and language level matched to the social partner's abilities.
Clarifies
Responds to gestures/messages indicating confusion, ensuring comprehension during conversation.
Acknowledges and Encourages
Acknowledges receipt of messages and encourages partners to continue interacting.
Empathizes
Expresses supportive attitudes by understanding or agreeing with partners' feelings/experiences.
Heeds (social)
Engages in goal-directed interactions focusing on purpose completion.
Socially Accommodates
Prevents ineffective or inappropriate social interactions.
Benefits (social)
Prevents problems in social interactions from recurring or persisting.