Tool 17
Functional Observation Record
A structured observation of one task: context, initiation, attention, sequencing, help-seeking, prompting, safety, completion, the participant's voice and the next step.
Observation is only useful when it is structured. This record breaks a single task into the functional components that matter: environmental context, initiation, attention and recognition, sequencing, communication and help-seeking, prompting and assistance, safety and risk, and completion and quality.
It also records the participant's response and voice, compares with previous performance, and sets the recommended next step.
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Functional Observation Record
Professional / Educator Tool • PROFESSIONAL RESOURCE
| Observation field | Record |
|---|---|
| Date / setting | |
| Task / goal | |
| Environmental context | |
| Initiation | |
| Attention / recognition | |
| Sequencing | |
| Communication / help-seeking | |
| Prompting / assistance | |
| Safety / risk | |
| Completion / quality | |
| Participant response / voice | |
| Comparison with previous performance | |
| Recommended next step |
IMHC educational tool. Use within the person's agreed plan and professional recommendations. This resource does not replace clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment or emergency support.