What does dynamic assessment in AAC evaluation primarily focus on?

Dynamic assessment in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) evaluation is centered on understanding a person's potential to learn and adapt their communication skills. This approach involves not just assessing what a person can currently do, but also how they can develop and improve their communication abilities over time with appropriate interventions and support.

By focusing on the potential for learning, dynamic assessment aims to identify the best strategies and tools that can facilitate communication growth for individuals who may have complex communication needs. This contrasts with static assessments, which primarily focus on measuring current abilities without considering the possibility for future development.

While factors such as current communication abilities, previous educational history, and social skills can provide valuable context during the assessment process, the primary goal of dynamic assessment is to explore and leverage the individual’s learning capacity. This perspective helps practitioners design more effective, personalized interventions that align with the unique potential of each person in enhancing their communication skills.