SUMMARY: Many young children develop lisps as they learn to speak, often outgrowing them naturally. Katie Nelson’s lisp, characterized by “R” and “S” sound difficulties, persisted beyond early childhood, impacting her clarity and confidence. After unsuccessful group therapy, her mother sought help from speech therapist Kristal Ray, who used a mouth puppet to show proper tongue placement. This visual approach quickly corrected Katie’s “gliding” disorder, improving her speech, reading, and self-esteem. Ray advises parents to monitor speech clarity by ages 2-4 and seek therapy if understanding is delayed, as untreated speech issues can hinder literacy development.

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The post Warning signs of speech disorder in children and why early intervention matters appeared first on www.news4jax.com

SUMMARY: In 2023, Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud, with imposter scams ranking third, per the Federal Trade Commission. Sarah Geathers, 69, a victim from Volusia County, sought a loan for medical and personal needs. After applying online, she received a call from a scammer posing as LendingTree, who claimed she was approved for $1,000 to $3,000. The scammer deposited a fake $1,300 check and manipulated her into buying two $500 Walmart gift cards. Her bank later flagged the check as fraudulent. Cybersecurity expert Roger Grimes stressed everyone is vulnerable to social engineering scams. Victims should file reports, secure info, and monitor credit.

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The post Looking for a loan? Beware of scammers impersonating legitimate companies appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

SUMMARY: The St. Augustine Music Festival returns for its 19th season, featuring seven free classical concerts over the last two weekends of June in the Cathedral Basilica. Opening on Juneteenth, the Ritz Chamber Players will honor James Weldon Johnson with a program of Black composers’ works. Artistic director Jorge Pena highlights the cathedral’s exceptional acoustics. The festival’s finale on June 29 marks St. Augustine’s 460th anniversary, showcasing pieces by Mozart and a special 300-year-old Vivaldi Mandolin Concerto performed by violinist Raphael Ramirez. This event celebrates history, culture, and new music in North Florida’s oldest city.

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The post St. Augustine Music Festival returns with free concerts in historic Cathedral Basilica appeared first on www.news4jax.com