Allen Cognitive Levels

Question 1

Allen Cognitive Level 1

Answer 1

(Automatic actions)

Allen Cognitive Level characterized by:
• reflexive responses
• responsive to internal stimuli
• impaired awareness of time and place
• global cognition impaired
• maximum assistance for ADL

Question 2

Allen Cognitive Level 2

Answer 2

(Postural actions)

Allen Cognitive Level characterized by:
• awareness of gross motor movements
• global cognition impaired
• may benefit from 1-step verbal instructions
• requires 24-hour nursing care

Question 3

Allen Cognitive Level 3

Answer 3

(Manual actions)

Allen Cognitive Level characterized by:
• ability to manipulate objects with hands
• responsive to tactile cues
• repetitive actions that are not goal directed
• short attention span and unpredictable behaviors

Question 4

Allen Cognitive Level 4

Answer 4

(Goal-directed actions)

Allen Cognitive Level characterized by:
• global cognition moderately impaired
• responds to tangible, visual motor cues
• some goal-directed behaviors
• can pay attention for up to 1 hour

Question 5

Allen Cognitive Level 5

Answer 5

(Exploratory actions)

Allen Cognitive Level characterized by:
• global cognition mildly impaired
• trial-and-error method used during activities
• decreased ability to plan ahead and anticipate errors
• poor judgement and occasionally impulsive

Question 6

Allen Cognitive Level 6

Answer 6

(Planned actions)

Allen Cognitive Level characterized by:
• abstract thinking is intact
• carry-over of learning from one session to another
• anticipates errors and demonstrates ability to plan ahead
• judgement and problem-solving is intact