Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS): Functional Cognition

Occupational therapists use the ACLS to evaluate thinking skills through a leather lacing task. This helps determine how well a person can learn and manage daily activities.

Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS) functional cognition assessment PDF form
ACLS

Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS)

The Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS) is a practical tool for occupational therapists assessing functional cognition. Using leather lacing tasks, it measures learning potential and problem-solving skills. This helps teams understand a patient's ability to manage daily living and support needs.

Category

Mental health
Rehabilitation
Diagnostic

Disease

Assessment
Mental Health
Rehabilitation
Geriatrics

Source

(Allen et al., 2007)

Author Name

Allen, C.K. (1985)

What is Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS)

The Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS) is a trusted tool for checking functional cognition. It helps therapists see a person's learning potential. This visual-motor task asks clients to sew three specific leather lacing stitches. It relies on the cognitive disability model to see how people process new info. The test uses the Running, Whip, and Single Cordovan stitches. Performance is rated on a scale from 3.0 to 5.8. These scores show exactly how much assistance a person needs for daily tasks and safety, offering a practical way to measure problem-solving skills. Occupational therapists frequently use the ACLS in mental health and rehab settings. It's quick to run and gives fast data for discharge planning. By seeing how a client handles the lacing, clinicians can predict their ability to live alone or manage meds, ensuring care plans match real needs.

ACLS Scoring

The Allen Cognitive Level Screen can be scored using one main approach based on observing leather lacing tasks. You'll observe how a client manages three leather lacing stitches: the Running, Whip, and Single Cordovan. Therapists assign a decimal score ranging from 3.0 to 5.8. This number reflects the most complex stitch completed and the level of assistance required. A score of 3.0 indicates basic manual actions, while 5.8 shows independent learning abilities. It is a practical way to match a person's abilities with the right level of support for safe living.

View scoring form

Advantages

Treatment planning

Develops personalised strategies based on assessment data.

Efficient collection

Streamlines research data gathering process.

Condition versatility

Applicable across multiple diseases and conditions.

20
Minutes
3
Questions

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