# data[].attributes.headline
Describe how the introduction of Penny as a character changes the family dynamics.

# data[].attributes.subject
Describe how the introduction of Penny as a character changes the family dynamics.

# data[].attributes.body
Penny being the healthy child reminds Melody of the things she cannot do. The book hints some jealousy as Penny gets to live a normal life. Melody loves her sister and sees that her parents get to love a child without disabilities just the same. I think these things matter to Melody that they get to experience this. I see the novel explaining Melody's maturity on this topic. Melody's mother does spend more time with Penny and Melody has more of her father's time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Example image of student with cerebral palsy, a congenital disorder of movement, muscle tone, and posture due to abnormal brain development before birth.

# data[].attributes.headline
What is the significance of the novel’s title?

# data[].attributes.subject
What is the significance of the novel’s title?

# data[].attributes.body
The title "out of my mind" represents a child named Melody who was born with cerebral palsy. She has never been able to talk or speak words to communicate her thoughts to her family, those thoughts are only run through in her mind.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Building confidence to change and show your best.

# data[].attributes.headline
Did any of the characters change? If so, how?

# data[].attributes.subject
Did any of the characters change? If so, how?

# data[].attributes.body
Melody: She changed when inclusion was introduced into the public school system. Melody wanted to prove she was smart and had thoughts of her own by speaking through a Medi-talker. Melody set her own goals to compete in the Whiz kids quiz competition through this life changing device.

Catherine: Melody's paraprofessional adapted Melody's learning materials to represent "real grades" and supported Melody by being her advocate.

Melody's Parents: As doctor's assured that Melody couldn't hear or speak, her parents never gave up by giving Melody positive childhood memories.

Ms. V (Violet) The neighbor: As Melody's caretaker while her parents were at work always believed Melody could understand every word she said. She taught Meldoy how to read and programmed her smartboard.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Teacher at a public school who works with students and uses inclusion inside the classroom.

# data[].attributes.headline
Which character is most like you, or did you feel a connection to in some way? Explain.

# data[].attributes.subject
Which character is most like you, or did you feel a connection to in some way? Explain.

# data[].attributes.body
I find myself relating to Mrs. Gordon, Meldoy's 5th grade english teacher. She is understanding, positive, and an encouraging figure to Melody. I teach a similar passion to preschoolers without bias and strive to reach each child in my classroom. I find ways even if it takes a bit extra to help a child learn and be comfortable at school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Example of equality of students whose families are on protest for their children to be in public schools.

# data[].attributes.headline
How would Melody’s life be different if she were born before the 1980’s?

# data[].attributes.subject
How would Melody’s life be different if she were born before the 1980’s?

# data[].attributes.body
Before the 1980's many children with disabilities were institutionalized or hospitalized due to their condition. Children with a disability were seen as unhealthy and most times abandoned by their families. Many cultures rejected disabled children and they were not allowed to come to school. Melody would have not been given a chance to participate in school or activities if she were born before this time period. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act passed in 1990 giving rights of students with disabilities and the services provided, the law makes schools more inclusive and effective in providing education to students at a mainstream school (CDC, 2022).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, May 2). What is cerebral palsy? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 22, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Device for non-speaking individuals to communicate words through a computer to express thoughts and feelings. 

# data[].attributes.headline
What was the funniest part of the story?

# data[].attributes.subject
What was the funniest part of the story?

# data[].attributes.body
After winter break, Melody takes Elvira her Medi-Talker to school for the first time. Melody experienced being the center of attention because she can express what she feels with words. Melody is able to tell jokes and communicate with her peers at school. The story narrates Melody having the many of firsts, including her aids fashion style. Melody refers to Catherine dressing funny and needing to update her style throughout the book. Later on, in the book Catherine improves her clothing image by purchasing more stylish items for Melody's liking.

# data[].attributes.body
In this book, there is sadness; being born with cerebral palsy, being forced to be silent, memories that have words, words that have meanings and not being able to tell anyone for so long. By far, this book has unsettled happenings in it...the fish and missing the plane.

Before the smartboard, Melody tried to tell her mother the fish jumped out of the water bowl, she tried to save it, but the bowl fell off the table, breaking, and the fish died as a result. Melody has lived without a voice to tell anyone about this incident until later in the novel. Melody protested by having fits in a way to alert her mother, this was the only way she knew how to tell them something was wrong. She called them tornadoes. Her parents didn't figure this out until much later in the story.

When Melody was due to compete with the Whiz kids quiz team in Washington, the plane left early. None of the other team members called to tell her, while Mr. Dimming's, the teacher responsible lacked the effort to include Melody by notifying her parents of an early flight change. Melody has experienced heartache, and this is one scenario I find upsetting for a child. Melody accomplished a milestone by allowing herself to be who she is in front of others. This was a turning point in the book showing Melody was unwanted.

# data[].attributes.body
After missing the plane, Melody wanted to go to school to face her peers. I find this an act of bravery. Her mother preferred if Melody stayed home due to the weather and these circumstances.  Melody stood strong as her mother was gathering items to drop her off at school and get to her own job. Looking out at the mirror, Melody seen her sister Penny behind the car as her mother was about to back up. Melody purposefully started having a "tornado," frailing her limbs to get her mother's attention. It wasn't enough as her mother backed up hitting Penny. Penny survived in the end, but this goes to show Melody's parents have work to do and need help with trying to understand their daughter better.

# data[].attributes.headline
What do you think is the main conflict of this story?

# data[].attributes.subject
What do you think is the main conflict of this story?

# data[].attributes.body
Melody cannot express herself to others because of her physical disability. Melody experiences many conflicts and not having a verbal way to speak words from her mouth is the primary battle. I see Melody's anger at her body and not being able to control it or understand why it doesn't work. I also believe the book tries to knowledge Melody's struggles with technology and entering in all the information she wants to communicate in her own type of language.

Handler. (2020, January 24). How does cerebral palsy affect speech & language development? Handler Henning & Rosenberg LLP. Retrieved October 22, 2022, from https://www.hhrlaw.com/blog/2020/january/how-does-cerebral-palsy-affect-speech-language-d/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is an umbrella term that refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. While symptoms differ in each classification of CP, speech disorders are quite common. Spasms, limited range of motion and slow movement cause problems with the production of sounds and arrangement of words.

Cerebral Palsy & Speech

A child with Cerebral Palsy might experience oral motor functioning issues. To speak, we use an intricate combination of muscles in our face, throat, neck, and other parts of the body. Cerebral palsy can affect the part of the brain that controls speech. A child with Cerebral Palsy might have trouble forming sentences or using the correct words. In some instances, a child might struggle with expressing themselves. This can cause social difficulties later in life.
Speech and language disorders associated with cerebral palsy include:

Articulation disorders: Patients with CP may experience poor oral-motor control and muscle weakness in the face and throat. These conditions affect a child's ability to make sounds and form syllables.

Fluency disorders: Interruptions, such as stuttering, break the flow of speech.

Voice disorders: Conditions such as irregular pitch, volume control and voice quality make it hard for children to interact.

Dysarthria: Impaired movement of muscles in the tongue, lips, and vocal cords that results in slurred or mumbled speech and delayed rate of speech.

Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing or digesting food which causes drooling, coughing, gagging and regurgitation.

Aphasia: Damage to the part of the brain that affects language and speech. This makes it difficult to speak, understand communication, read and write.

Receptive struggles: Challenges processing and understanding language make it hard to draw meaning from language and communication.

Expressive disorders: Difficulty putting words together to convey ideas.

Cognitive-communication disorders: Difficulty with communication skills involving perception, memory, problem solving and organization.

A speech and language pathologist can assist in finding ways to help your child communicate through cues or sign language. They can also address issues such as word formation, pronunciation, listening and vocabulary development.
Speech therapy will address issues such as the following:

Listening

Fluency

Pronunciation

Word formation

Vocabulary

Word comprehension

Conversation

Mouth and throat muscle control

When Should a Child with Cerebral Palsy Start Speech Pathology Therapy?

Speech therapy for children with cerebral palsy can begin as early as infancy. Infant speech therapy is especially important for helping the brain develop skills that it can't later in life. Early speech therapy can help a child develop skills rather than must develop new habits or methods for daily tasks later in life.
Speech & Language can help a child with cerebral palsy handle the following easier:

Literacy

Social interactions

Cognitive abilities

Pennsylvania Birth Injury Lawyers

If your baby was harmed or injured after birth, contact our Pennsylvania birth injury lawyers at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC. A birth injury may result in your child being diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which can lead to expensive medical bills. You shouldn't have to pay for a health professional's negligent actions. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
Call (888) 498-3023 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our cerebral palsy lawyers are ready to answer your questions right now.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Does Cerebral Palsy Affect Speech & Language Development?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects a child's motor skills, muscle tone and mobility. Since cerebral palsy affects muscle control and coordination, the disorder results in problems with hearing and vision, difficulty breathing, bladder and bowel control difficulties, and speech and language issues.

# data[].attributes.body
The definition.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, May 2). What is cerebral palsy? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 22, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood. Learn more facts.

# data[].attributes.body
Technology used to speak words.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you have a child with cerebral palsy , you may be wondering what communication devices are available to help them communicate.

There are numerous sorts of gadgets on the market, and the finest device for your child will be determined by their specific requirements.

This article guides you to get more details about the different types of communication devices for cerebral palsy and tips for choosing a suitable device for your child.

What are Communication Devices?

Communication devices are tools to help children with cerebral palsy communicate. They can be used to help children with speech and language impairments and those who have difficulty using their hands to communicate.

There are many different types of communication devices available, including electronic communication devices.

Electronic communication devices are special tools that help people with cerebral palsy or other conditions that affect their speaking ability.

These types of devices can range from simple picture boards to sophisticated computer systems that generate speech.

For many people with this condition, this device is essential for communicating their needs and wants.

While most devices require the use of one or more body parts to operate, newer technologies are beginning to emerge that allow users to communicate simply by thinking about what they want to say.

As these technologies continue to develop, more and more people with such a disorder will be able to participate in conversations and interact with the world in ways that were once impossible.

What are the Common Electronic Communication Devices for Cerebral Palsy?

There are different types of electronic communication devices available for cerebral palsy. Some standard devices include:

Picture Boards

Picture boards are one of the simplest and most common communication devices. They consist of a board with pictures or symbols representing words or concepts.

The user points to the picture or symbol they want to communicate, and the person they communicate with looks at the board to interpret the message.

Picture boards can communicate a wide range of needs, from straightforward requests like "I want to drink" to more complex thoughts and feelings.

Voice Output Devices

Voice output devices are tools that generate speech. They typically consist of a keyboard or other input device, which the user types or points to select the right words or phrases they want to say.

The device then speaks the selected words or phrases out loud.

These devices can be straightforward, with just a few essential words and phrases, or they can be much more sophisticated, with the ability to generate speech that sounds very natural.

Computer Systems

Computer systems are the most sophisticated type of communication device. They typically consist of a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, which the user uses to control a software program that generates speech.

Computer systems can be very customized to fit the needs of the user. They can be programmed with different vocabulary sets, which can be organized in various ways to make communication as easy and efficient as possible.

Some computer systems also can generate facial expressions and other nonverbal cues, which can help the user communicate more effectively.

Many (augmentative and alternative communication) apps are available for children with cerebral palsy. These apps can be used on smartphones, tablets, and computers to help children communicate.

AAC apps can be used to create pictures, symbols, or words that represent what the child wants to say. The child can then select the appropriate picture, symbol, or word to communicate their message.

These apps can be used by children with a wide range of abilities, and they are often less expensive than other communication devices.

Benefits of Using Communication Devices

There are many benefits to using communication devices for cerebral palsy, including:

Improved Ability to Communicate

One of the most important benefits of using communication devices is that they can significantly improve a person's ability to communicate .

These devices are essential for expressing the needs and wants of many people with this condition.

Greater Independence

Another benefit of using these devices is that they can help people with cerebral palsy become more independent.

With the ability to communicate their needs, they can take greater control of their lives and do more things for themselves.

Improved Social Skills

In addition to improving independence , communication devices can also help people with cerebral palsy develop better social skills.

They can participate in conversations and mix with others.

How Do You Choose the Right Device for Your Child?

When choosing an electronic communication device for your child, there are many factors to consider. Some important considerations include:

Your child's age, abilities, and needs

The types of communication your child will need to use the device for

How easy the device is to use

How much the device costs

If you are unsure what type of device would be best for your child, many resources are available to help you.

You can talk to your child's doctor, therapist, or teacher. You can also contact a local speech-language pathologist or other AAC specialist.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Communication Devices for Cerebral Palsy: A Guide for Parents - CyberParent

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you have a child with cerebral palsy, you may be wondering what communication devices are available to help them communicate. There are numerous sorts of gadgets on the market, and the finest device for your child will be determined by their specific requirements.

# data[].attributes.headline
How did the author create tension and/or emotion in relation to this conflict?

# data[].attributes.subject
How did the author create tension and/or emotion in relation to this conflict?

# data[].attributes.body
The author displays inner emotions by having Melody turn off her Medi-talker in chapter 18, regulating what she is able to control (Draper, 2019). The author wrote about Melody missing the plane causing her to be upset. Melody reacted by pushing at her sister's toy when she offered it to cheer her up. While pushing the toy away Penny loses her balance not expecting Melody's reaction causing her to bump the top of her head. Penny became upset as her sister couldn't tell her she wanted to be left alone. Melody was portrayed as hurt feelings and she wanted isolation. Melody couldn't express her emotions through her face so she could indicate in these small ways.

Draper, S. M. (2019). Out of my mind. Thorndike Press, a part of Gale, a Centage Company.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Guilt, showing shame to have made a mistake or be wrong.

# data[].attributes.headline
What type of emotion or feeling is the author trying to evoke through this conflict?

# data[].attributes.subject
What type of emotion or feeling is the author trying to evoke through this conflict?

# data[].attributes.body
The author tries to illustrate Melody's emotions by her guilt; thinking it is Melody's fault because she cannot communicate or maybe self-pity. On page 261, Melody says, "the morning started out like crystal, but the day has turned into broken glass" (Draper, 2019).

Draper, S. M. (2019). Out of my mind. Thorndike Press, a part of Gale, a Centage Company.

# data[].attributes.headline
Were you able to predict what was going to happen in the end? Explain.

# data[].attributes.subject
Were you able to predict what was going to happen in the end? Explain.

# data[].attributes.body
In the end of the story, I predicted that Penny would need recovery but would not end up in death. I had my thoughts but couldn't imagine that this family could have any more tragic events. I felt that Penny would make it, this event could have gone very badly but it didn't. In the end, Meldoy learns her sister will be fine but an eye opener for the parents of these two children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The ability to express your feeling out loud for all to hear and listen.

# data[].attributes.headline
What do you think was the best part of the story? Why?

# data[].attributes.subject
What do you think was the best part of the story? Why?

# data[].attributes.body
The best part of the story is when Melody gets the option to use language. Her ability to tell how she feels and shape her own identity. Although Melody couldn't speak out; she absorbed everything. She hears noises, smell, and tastes. In chapter 2, Melody hears songs, lullabies, colors, smells images when music is played, "jazz makes me itch" and "country music is like lemons" (Draper, 2019).

Draper, S. M. (2019). Out of my mind. Thorndike Press, a part of Gale, a Centage Company.

# data[].attributes.body
The family dynamic.

Written by Mary Ellen Ellis Mary Ellen Ellis has been writing for CerebralPalsyGuidance.com since 2016. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds undergraduate and graduate science degrees. As a f. (2020, June 7). Siblings and cerebral palsy. Cerebral Palsy Guidance. Retrieved October 22, 2022, from https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/2016/06/14/siblings-cerebral-palsy/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's no surprise that kids who grow up with a sibling with cerebral palsy tend be a little more stressed when compared to children who don't live with someone with the disorder. However, they're often more well-adjusted than their peers and more empathetic and caring towards people with special needs. Kids who help take care of their disabled sibling also tend to have higher self-esteem and a sense of pride. The following inspirational stories shows just how powerful a relationship between a child with cerebral palsy and siblings can be.

Hunter and Braden Gandee

One of the most inspirational stories of all time is that of Hunter Gandee, a Michigan teenager who, in 2016, carried his special needs brother on his back for 111 miles to help spread awareness about children with disabilities.

Hunter's brother, Braden Gandee, 9, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 1. His disability prohibits him from walking without the assistance of a walker, and makes it difficult for him to communicate effectively. Knowing how important it was for Braden to feel welcomed among his peers, Hunter took Braden off his back just before they reached the Michigan Capitol during their 11-mile trek, and Braden, using his walker, stepped across the finish.

It's an inspiration for siblings everywhere who may wonder what they can do to help their own brother or sister. Not only did Hunter and Braden raise awareness about disabilities, but last year, when they participated in a similar event, and raised over $100,000 for a playground at Braden's elementary school. According to Hunter,

"I wanted to show people the struggles that Braden has to go through daily. I wanted to go out and show people we can make the world a better place for people with cerebral palsy."

Ashton and Michael Kutcher

Most people recognize Ashton Kutcher from his movie roles and television roles on shows such as That 70s Show and Two and a Half Men. What many may not realize is that the actor has a twin brother who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three.

Ashton recalled that while growing up, he would play basketball with his brother, who gave up after not making a "right hand" shot. As Michael walked away, Ashton stopped him and gave him advice that would change his brother's life forever. According to Michael,

"I said, 'You know I can't make that shot. It's not fair.' And Chris (Ashton) even at that age said, 'You can do anything you want. I can't make that shot for you. Mom's not here; she can't do it for you. It's your challenge. Stop using your disability as a crutch. This is your obstacle.'"

Years later, at age 13, Michael had a heart attack and was given a grim prognosis.. As a doctor pumped his heart, his parents were told that it would only extend his life for 48 hours. Miraculously, a donor arrived 24 hours later. Michael survived. He remembered Ashton's words which helped him move on to become his own self, and not a shadow of his charming brother who would go on to model in New York and star in award-winning shows.

"I realized that was my challenge, my obstacle to overcome."

Conner and Cayden Long

In 2011, when Conner Long was only a 7-year-old, he found a way to play with his brother Cayden Long, 5, and at the same time, raise awareness for cerebral palsy. Cayden was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 4-months-old.

With the help of their mother, Conner and Cayden participated in their first Triathlon at the Nashville Kids Triathlon. The competition entailed several different competitions, including Conner riding a bike while pulling Cayden in a pedicab, swimming while pulling Cayden in a raft, and running while pulling Cayden in a stroller.

Although the boys didn't win the competition, they developed an unbreakable bond, and the excitement of the competition convinced them to keep going. A few weeks later, they participated in another race in downtown Nashville. They began training and upgraded their racing equipment, and eventually went on to compete in the largest Triathlon for kids in the nation, the IronKids Triathlon.

Conner's dedication to his brother landed them on the 2012 Sports Illustrated Kids issue, "SportsKids of the Year."

Advice for Kids With Siblings Who Have Cerebral Palsy

Siblings don't have to compete in long-distance runs or Triathlons to help their brother and sister with cerebral palsy, although these stories certainly help spark inspiration and help kids relate with other kids who have siblings with cerebral palsy. Including children with disabilities in everyday activities and treating them as an individual and a not a kid with cerebral palsy helps them feel loved and connected.

If you have a sibling with cerebral palsy, just being there for them and including them in the things you do will do wonders for their self-esteem and image. Remember, underneath the disability is a child just as yourself, wanting to play and a part of their peer group just as any other kid would.

Get Help Now

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Siblings and Cerebral Palsy - Cerebral Palsy Guidance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's no surprise that kids who grow up with a sibling with cerebral palsy tend be a little more stressed when compared to children who don't live with someone with the disorder. However, they're often more well-adjusted than their peers and more empathetic and caring towards people with special needs.

# data[].attributes.headline
Did the author keep you engaged? If so, how did they do it? If not, why not?

# data[].attributes.subject
Did the author keep you engaged? If so, how did they do it? If not, why not?

# data[].attributes.body
The book had many events to keep my mind thinking about Melody. I felt frustrated for her to have all the feelings and not be able to tell anyone for such a long time. She couldn't share any of it and she knew her body would never do what she wanted. I felt the authors story expressed each character in detail to give me a sense of sympathy.

# data[].attributes.headline
Did you care about the characters? Why or why not?

# data[].attributes.subject
Did you care about the characters? Why or why not?

# data[].attributes.body
The adult characters in the book I respected for their duties to assist and honor their job when being involved with Melody. I do think Mr. Dimming's had other intentions that he didn't want to deal with Melody and her family on the Washington trip. As for the classroom students in H-5, I felt they tried recognizing Melody as much as possible. Other classroom friends who figured out Melody was the smartest girl in the school, started talking with her, some envied her. Especially Clarie, it's ironic that she was jealous of Melody. Clarie says, "I'm not trying to be mean, honest but it just never occurred to me that Melody had thoughts in her head" (Draper, 2019).

Draper, S. M. (2019). Out of my mind. Thorndike Press, a part of Gale, a Centage Company.

# data[].attributes.headline
What is your honest review of this book?

# data[].attributes.subject
What is your honest review of this book?

# data[].attributes.body
While reading the book, I felt lucky to be who I am. I felt blessed to be healthy and have healthy children of my own. I thought to put myself in the shoes of a parent to someone like Melody having Cerebral Palsy. The emotions the parents went through, how they handled each day, to stay positive, and financial obligations. Melody has to fight to get what she wants when others who live a normal life can easy just say what's on their mind. To have an open conversation with another person freely or tell them you love them comes naturally to most, but not Melody. Melody explained this in chapter 5 as, "I live in a cage with no door and no key. No way to tell someone to get me out" (Draper, 2019).

Draper, S. M. (2019). Out of my mind. Thorndike Press, a part of Gale, a Centage Company.

# data[].attributes.headline
If you could change one thing about this book, what would it be and why? 

# data[].attributes.subject
If you could change one thing about this book, what would it be and why? 

# data[].attributes.body
I didn't feel like the book had a final ending but more of a beginning to Melody's perspective. I could have liked to see something more to close the story. I did like the variety of personalities in the characters and the meaning of kindness.

# data[].attributes.body
I think giving some words of Melody's bibliography at the end of the book would have been appropriate. I would have liked more on her feelings of Penny and how her family will move forward in their life after the accident. I would want some type of apology said to Melody for her mother not taking the time to understand her better, so she doesn't feel an ongoing fault.

# data[].attributes.headline
What was the most important thing you learned from the story? Explain.

# data[].attributes.subject
What was the most important thing you learned from the story? Explain.

# data[].attributes.body
This book teaches us to believe in oneself, respect others, accept people who are not the same as you, and lessons on friendships. Melody experiences things not being fair, people leaving her out, and friends that are not true.