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. This third edition retains the strong introduction to the study of human communication and its disorders across the life span. The high-interest descriptions of communication disorders engage students planning to enter the field as well as non-majors who simply desire to better understand communication disorders. The third edition of the book reflects a refinement and clarity of writing that makes it an ideal introductory textbook. Case illustrations, figures, and photographs are used liberally to illustrate concepts and place them in a clinical context. The chapters maintain a balance between speech, language, and hearing assuring a balanced presentation of the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. Chapters addressing disorders include information on the scientific basis for understanding each condition as well as assessment and treatment. The blend of science and clinical applications provides students with an understanding of normal processes and disorders.