Document a clearly defined instruction opportunity and distinguish assistance from independent responses using fictional trial data.
Define what you are recording
The example records whether the agreed action occurs after an accessible instruction in an activity the person has chosen. The definition includes the instruction, response window and allowed supports. Those details belong in the clinician’s plan.
A fictional activity involves placing a selected card in a tray. This example measures the record format; it does not recommend compliance goals or withholding support.
Collect the data consistently
Agree what the instruction and observable response mean in this context.
Keep access supports separate from extra assistance used for scoring.
Count one outcome for each opportunity and note declined or interrupted opportunities according to the team’s rule.
How to complete each data sheet column
Use the stated units and distinguish an observed zero from a missing observation.
Date: Date of this observation. Use YYYY-MM-DD, for example 2026-10-09. Rows are ordered by date; equal spacing on the graph does not represent elapsed calendar time.
Target: Short fictional or de-identified label for the one activity being observed. Use the same target throughout this report; keep its agreed definition in your approved record.
Phase: Optional label for the observation conditions, such as Observation A. A change creates a chart marker; it does not demonstrate a treatment effect.
Independent: Whole-number count of opportunities with an independent response under the agreed rule. For example, 3 independent out of 5 opportunities gives 60%.
Prompted: Optional whole-number count of responses following the defined assistance. Keep these separate from independent responses; the two counts cannot exceed opportunities.
Opportunities: Total observed opportunities, including unsuccessful opportunities. Use a positive whole number. Independent and prompted responses must not overlap.
Notes: Optional observation context or recording limitation. Exclude names, contact details and other identifiable clinical information.
Fictional worked example
These are original fictional observations, not patient records or a treatment recommendation.
Instruction response data sheet
Date
Target
Phase
Independent
Prompted
Opportunities
Notes
2026-01-05
Fictional following-directions
Observation A
3
2
6
Fictional tray activity
2026-01-07
Fictional following-directions
Observation A
4
2
8
Same instruction; different materials
2026-01-09
Fictional following-directions
Observation A
4
1
6
One outcome outside the two response categories
2026-01-12
Fictional following-directions
Observation B
5
1
8
Context changed
2026-01-14
Fictional following-directions
Observation B
3
2
6
Fewer opportunities
2026-01-16
Fictional following-directions
Observation B
6
1
9
No mastery conclusion
Review and interpretation
The fictional series changes both opportunities and assistance. Review these together before interpreting the independent response percentage.
Changing the instruction wording can create a different task.
A person declining an activity should not automatically be scored as a skill deficit.
Access needs, hearing, language and context require professional consideration.