Fresh off the pages, I just finished reading Doobiedoo Asks by Bambi Eloriaga-Amago, illustrated by Roland Amago, and published by Komiket. Huge thanks to Mam Beverly Wico Siy for lending me this beautiful book.
I’ll admit—I’m not usually a fan of comics or highly visual books. I tend to prefer novels that let my imagination do the painting. But this book? Despite being a graphic story, it won me over instantly.
Why Doobiedoo Asks Stands Out
April is Autism Awareness Month, and while working on a content plan with our Head of Content Carla Perlas, I thought it would be meaningful to feature children’s books about autism. I assigned the task to one of our writers, Jobelle, who’s known for her strong research skills. But to our surprise, she couldn’t find locally authored children’s books about autism.
Thankfully, Mam Bebang Siy and Ate Maphene gave me a few suggestions—and one of them was Doobiedoo Asks. Mam Bebang even offered to lend me her copy, which she sent through her colleague, Mam Marjorie. We met up at a popular street food spot near our place called “Swabe.” After buying my favorite calamares (no sauce, as always!), I greeted Mam Marjorie and handed her a pineapple as a thank-you gift for her and Mam Bebang’s kindness.
I went home, sat outside with my coffee, and read the book in one sitting.
Image from the Writer
A story that hits close to home
Reading Doobiedoo Asks was an emotional experience. It reminded me of my cousin and a friend from high school who have ADHD and OCD, respectively. I found myself empathizing deeply with Doobiedoo’s parents. Though I don’t have children yet, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging and rewarding it is to raise a child on the spectrum.
My aunt went through a tough time accepting her child’s ADHD diagnosis at first, but I admire how she took action to ensure her child got the therapy he needed. That cousin of mine? I love him to bits. He’s smart, funny, and yes—I used to tease him until he cried. But even then, I was also his defender. He’d run to me if someone bullied him, and I’d always say, “Tell me. I got you.”
Now that he’s a teenager, I’ve seen amazing progress in him. He used to be a picky eater, but now he even eats vegetables. He once told me that he remembered what I used to say: “Just try it. If you don’t like it, spit it out. But if you do, eat it.” That stuck with him, and now, he eats healthier. I’m proud of him, and proud of my aunt for raising him so well despite all the challenges.
A gentle guide for parents
Doobiedoo Asks isn’t just a children’s book—it’s also a love letter to every parent trying to understand, support, and advocate for their neurodivergent child. The story shows the inner world of a family navigating a reality that many parents in the Philippines still find difficult to talk about: autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how a person communicates, interacts, and processes the world. It’s called a spectrum because each person experiences it differently—some may be nonverbal, others highly verbal; some may have strong attention to detail, while others struggle with sensory overload. And just as every child on the spectrum is different, every parent’s journey is different, too.
Image from KOMIKET
What this book beautifully captures is that parents are not alone. The confusion, the guilt, the worry, the learning curve—it’s all valid. But so is the joy of discovering your child’s unique strengths, the relief in finding a support system, and the strength in choosing to move forward every single day.
Books like Doobiedoo Asks help build not just awareness but also community. They reassure families that what they’re feeling is real, that help is out there, and that their love and persistence make all the difference.
Why this book matters
Doobiedoo Asks isn’t just a story—it’s a mirror for families, a gentle but powerful exploration of neurodivergence, and a tribute to every parent and child navigating it. It made me tear up, even feel angry at times, but more than anything, it inspired me.
This book sheds light on the emotional journey of parents raising children on the spectrum. It’s not just for children or families affected by autism—everyone should read it for greater empathy and awareness.
Want more books like this?
We compiled a list of children’s storybooks about autism—perfect for raising awareness and starting important conversations at home or in the classroom. Check out the article here: 5 Children’s Story Books by Filipino Authors That Tackle Autism
Let this book find its way into more homes, more conversations, and more hearts.
