We recently watched the Disney+ movie ‘Out of My Mind’, a movie based on the novel by the same name by Sharon M Draper. The movie focuses on Melody Brooks, a young girl living with cerebral palsy who is a wheelchair user and non-verbal. Yes, we were late to the party as the movie was released in November 2024. Although I saw much praise and many positive comments about the movie in disability parenting groups, I just couldn’t bring myself to watch it. We had some other family stuff going on at the time and I was looking for light and fluffy entertainment, a storyline that was completely removed from our life rather than a story that might tap into my vulnerability and emotions. The movie stayed on my radar for ‘someday’ and after New Year I was ready to give it a watch and I was so glad that I did.
Review of Disney+ ‘Out of My Mind’
As many of you reading this will know, our son Braeden lives with cerebral palsy, is a wheelchair and is also non-verbal. While many people focus on the fact that Braeden uses a wheelchair when they refer to his disability, I think being non-verbal is the most limiting element of his cerebral palsy. The ability to express yourself, your needs and desires cannot be underestimated. ‘Out of My Mind’ explores this element of Melody’s disability in a way that made me want everyone that interacts with Braeden personally or professionally to watch the movie. I wanted them to see the frustration faced by a person with a disability when they are misunderstood, ignored and underestimated. I’ve seen it happen to Braeden again and again. At school he had one particular teacher that was asking him to prove himself on basics he’d proved to teachers before, but because he was non-verbal she had a need to go over it all again. When combining his lack of fine motor skills with being non-verbal he was doubted even more. There was never any thought by others to assume he knew things unless proved otherwise. It was always a case of him needing to prove himself first and unfortunately he has always been underestimated. Braeden doesn’t feel a need to do things the way others suggest is ‘the norm.’ If it’s your way or the highway, he’s hitting the highway.
One of the problems is that Braeden constantly gives non-verbal cues but unless he has a communication partner that is open to alternative communication and is in tune with non-verbal cues, his messages are often missed. I remember arriving at his day programme one day and hearing his frustrated sounds from outside. When I went inside I found that his power wheelchair control was turned off and he couldn’t move. His sounds to get attention were ignored or absorbed as background noise, not a meaningful call for help. ‘Out of My Mind’ shows fantastic examples of this.
Braeden loves having choice and smiles the biggest smile when his requests are understood. What a relief it must be for him when they are! Undeterred by all the knock backs and being misunderstood he persists with trying to connect with people. It’s something that I admire greatly about him. Melody in ‘Out of My Mind’ similarly shows frustration at the lack of inclusion and being misunderstood or ignored. The movie also showcases the struggles to have equipment funded and the difference it can make if you have one professional that believes in your child and is prepared to fight for their inclusion.
I was conflicted by Melody’s mother’s character. On one hand she seemed a champion for her daughter but at other times she seemed to be negative and unhelpful to Melody’s ability to progress. I can’t say I related to that as I’ve been a fierce advocate for Braeden, always fighting for his right for inclusion and for others to believe in him.
Although this movie focuses mostly on Melody not using speech I think there are many relatable themes for people with a disability. Being ignored or underestimated is a common theme across a variety of disabilities. I’m looking at all those people that don’t address a person with a disability when they ask a question but instead ask the person with them.
It may have taken a while for us to get around to watching ‘Out of My Mind’ but I am so glad we did. I highly recommend the movie to anyone caring, or working with, someone who is non-verbal. The storyline in ‘Out of My Mind’ is a reminder to be inclusive, open-minded, observant and a good listener with everyone, but especially with someone who is non-verbal and using alternative communication.
As an important side-note, Phoebe-Rae Taylor, the actress that plays Melody Brooks, also lives with cerebral palsy.
If you’ve watched the movie I’d love to hear your thoughts. Could you relate?
We are pleased to share some other stories we’ve written on communication below –
Metro Trains Melbourne alternative communication for passengers
Starbucks Washington, DC – first signing store in the US
