Baselining
An initial set of observations to compare the performance of a person while doing different activities to serve as a foundation for predictions about the person's pattern of performance.
Pattern of Performance
A pattern of performance is a general set of expectations that predict what people in a designated group can and cannot do. Consistency is expected. Inconsistencies can be predicted to some extent when common confounding factors are defined and adjustments in predictions are made.
Individual Pattern of Performance
Each person has a unique pattern of performance. The baseline, general patterns of performance and common inconsistencies are methods for organizing massive amounts of information about possible human activities to find the activities that the person can still enjoy doing.
Sensory Information (ACL 1 through 6)
Sensory information is provided to one of the five senses. All of the levels and modes contain a sequence of increasingly complex sensory information.
Tracking Arc (ACL 1)
The tracking arc measures their visual field.
Movement Information (ACL 1.6 through 6)
Movement information is an internal awareness of guiding the movements of the body. Movement information enters the scale in ACL 1.6.
Sense of Direction (ACL 2.6)
A sense of direction guides walking to a place in the physical environment. A destination is a mental concept that is separated from the reality of going in the correct direction. In one hallway, their direction may be going towards or away from where they say they are going.
Linear Information (ACL 2.6 through 6)
Linear information is the use of a line to organize what the person is doing. Linear information enters the scale in ACL 2.6.
Matching & Copying
Matching and copying is a mental process of grouping two or more material objects together by one or more perceivable features. The first perceivable feature within ACL 3.6 is usually color.
Concept of Done versus an Activity (ACL 3.8 & 4.0)
The difference between doing an action and doing an activity separates ACL 3.8 from 4.0. Within ACL 3.8, all perceivable space or objects are used to form a concept of done that only requires one action. Within ACL 4.0, two or three actions are done in a sequence that is directed toward a perceivable goal that has a name, such as making a note card or getting dressed.
Classification Information (ACL 3.6 through 6)
Classification information uses categories to organize what the person is doing. Doing an activity is a classification of steps. Matching classifies objects by concrete or abstract cues. Classification information enters the scale in ACL 3.6.
Striking Features (ACL 4.6 through 6)
There are five striking features or visual cues that are color, shape, size, number of items (up to four) and linear information.
Neuromuscular Adjustments (ACL 4.6 through 6)
Neuromuscular adjustments are changes in the use of strength and range of motion to produce a different effect of material objects. The simplest change on the cause of an effect is to apply more pressure or strength. Doing it harder often breaks things within ACL 4.6. Within ACL 5.0, neuromuscular adjustment includes feedback from what they are doing. They start to make finer incremental movements to improve on the quality of their actions.
Surface Properties (ACL 5.2 through 6)
Surface properties are found on material objects that can be cleaned and polished to enhance appearances. They can be discovered while sanding with the grain of the wood, polishing floors, washing dishes and bathing. The cues are found in hundreds of material objects. In the ACLS-6 the best opportunity to discover surface properties is provided by stenciling.
Spatial Properties (ACL 5.4 through 6)
Putting pieces together requires an awareness of part / whole relationships. The designs in coloring, copying and stenciling all provide opportunities for using spatial properties. 3D projects have spatial properties.
Overt Trial & Error Learning (ACL 5.0 through 5.8)
Learning while doing something with material objects is called overt trial and error. Covert trial and error is done in the absence of material objects and enters the scale within Level 6.
Stenciling was added to provide opportunities to recognize and prevent mistakes. Following treatment precautions and maintaining a job are affected by the patterns of response to mistakes. If the person has already learned how to stencil, mistakes may be avoided.
Stitching Information (ACL 3.0 through 5.8)
For those who need to learn how to translate stitching behavior into attention to information, the following discussion is provided.
The stitching activity takes linear information through classification and discovery information.
The linear information in level 3 starts with going over and under, which never did differentiate well within the lower modes of level 3. The problem was the limitation of the running stitch.
The whip stitch includes the concept of three and horizontal and vertical lines.
The single cordovan stitch adds discovery in 3-dimensional space, which is why it is so hard.
Both stitching and knot tying involve a similar use of linear information in 3-dimensional space which seems to be the limit for overt trial and error learning.
Abstract Information (ACL 6)
Abstract information uses concepts in place of material objects to guide what the person is doing. The use of abstract information is considered to be normal. Abstract information may enter at ACL 5.6 but the distinction between normal and disabled is still unclear.