In this current and well-organized text, Plante and Beeson provide an introduction to the field of Communication Disorders that engages students' interests in professional practice and welcomes them into the major. The text presents a lifespan perspective on disorders from infancy through geriatrics, covering both normal development and disorders. Each chapter reflects insights gained from first-hand clinical, research, and teaching experience across a variety of clinical populations. The focus of the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology are conveyed through clinical cases, discussion of professional issues, and vignettes of professional interactions in a variety of work settings. This broad-based introduction presents the range of content central to the professions, yet maintains a consistent, easy-to-comprehend style and unified voice.