The paper notes the difficulties with most formal tests of language skills when applied to the assessment of communication and precommunication skills in individuals with severe and multiple handicaps. General principles for assessment and a flexible assessment device are summarized. The Functional Communication Assessment is offered as a basic structure for a more flexible evaluation process. The instrument provides a catalog of basic questions and data sources to be considered in each evaluation. Information collected then provides the basis for specific recommendations or program development. The eight parts of the assessment are described: (1) basic identification and purpose, (2) client background information, (3) information from significant others in the client's major environment, (4) client's communication behavior in the natural environments, (5) elicitation of communication behavior, (6) descriptions of client's physical summary and recommendations, and (8) equipment needs associated with recommendations. A copy of the assessment instrument is appended. (CL)