Book excerpt: Full-color textbook introducing concepts in communication sciences and disorders. Written in accessible, engaging and caring language, it is rooted in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's "Big Nine" knowledge and skill areas. Units provide cohesive "big picture" introductions and conclusions, while individual chapters focus on key information in smaller, more detailed packages. Going beyond expectations for an introductory text, it explores the emotional and social effects of disorders to help readers truly understand the profession.