Abstract: The authors reviewed the development process of the concept of assessment augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) from focusing on prerequisite skills to communication needs and participation, introduced the team assessment and current three assessment models, including maximal assessment, criteria-based assessment and predictive assessment. Some factors which must be considered in all models were also given in this paper. The content and procedure of one most popular model were introduced in detail. The problems exsited in the application of AAC and the further development of AAC assessment were discussed.

Key words: augmentative and alternative communication assessment, concept, model, content, procedure, review