Document what you see
Capture observations episode by episode in plain language, anchored to the person's usual baseline.
Not a Diagnostic ToolThe Baseline Method™
Observe. Track. Communicate.
A person-centered observation framework designed to help identify, document, and communicate meaningful changes from an individual's established baseline.
The Baseline Method™ is an observational framework, not a diagnostic tool. It is designed to help individuals, caregivers, and professionals identify and communicate meaningful changes from an established baseline.
Supports Clinical Evaluation • Improves Communication • Promotes Earlier Recognition
Describe what normal looks like for the person you support. It takes a few minutes, and you can update it any time.
Why does baseline matter?
Many individuals cannot easily communicate pain, illness, regression, side effects, or changes in functioning. The Baseline Method™ helps caregivers and professionals document changes objectively over time so observations can be communicated more clearly.
How it works
Four guided steps. You do not need to understand the analysis behind them.
Organize the picture
A timeline and neutral pattern summary show how often each domain was documented and which appeared together.
Communicate clearly
Bring a concise caregiver observation summary and your saved questions to the next appointment.
The BASELINE framework
Eight observation domains give caregivers a shared structure for describing change — for children and adults alike.
Behavioral Changes
Mood, alertness, responsiveness, behavior shifts
Examples: Irritability, flat affect, agitation, unusual calm, reduced alertness
Autonomic / Physical Changes
Sweating, fever, heart rate, blood pressure, color changes
Examples: Flushing, pallor, sweating episodes, temperature changes
Speech / Communication
Mutism, delayed responses, repetition, reduced communication
Examples: Speaking less than usual, long response delays, repeating phrases
Energy / Activity / Motor
Pacing, freezing, rigidity, slowed movement, unusual posture
Examples: Freezing mid-task, stiffness, slowed walking, restlessness
Loss of Functional Skills
Regression in daily tasks, independence, routines
Examples: Needing help with dressing, eating, toileting, or tasks usually done alone
Interaction / Engagement
Social withdrawal, disconnection, eye-contact or engagement changes
Examples: Turning away from familiar people, not responding to name, less play or contact
Neurological / Sensory
Tremors, sensory loss, balance issues, seizures, confusion
Examples: Shaking, unsteadiness, staring episodes, disorientation
Environmental Triggers / Patterns
Medication changes, illness, stress, sleep, diet, routines, events
Examples: New medication, recent cold, schedule change, loud environment
Recognition guidance
General educational prompts to help caregivers decide when to keep documenting and when to reach out. These are not triage, medical advice, or treatment recommendations.
Level 1
Monitor
- Mild or intermittent changes
- Slight communication delay
- Mild pacing or fatigue
Document & track
Level 2
Medical Review
- Persistent changes from baseline
- Regression in previously held skills
- Movement abnormalities
- Loss of speech or engagement
Request evaluation
Level 3
Urgent Evaluation
- Physical instability
- Fever together with behavior change
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Rapid regression
Seek immediate care
Emergency notice: If someone may be in immediate danger or is having a medical emergency, contact local emergency services right away. This tool does not provide triage, medical advice, or treatment recommendations.
Privacy: Records are stored securely in your signed-in account and are available across your devices. Only you can read them. This is not a medical record or EHR and not a diagnostic tool — please avoid unnecessary identifiers.