Featuring this May in Pamana Library is Bambi Eloriaga-Amago, author of Too Loud! Soothing Sensory Overload with Music. This thoughtful picture book introduces young readers to the world of sensory sensitivities through the story of Elmo, a music-loving child with autism, and his friend Jean. Inspired by Bambi’s own experiences as a parent and advocate, Too Loud! encourages empathy and understanding, showing how simple acts of kindness can make a big difference. In this feature, Bambi shares the personal journey behind her writing, the realities of sensory overload, and how stories can help build a more inclusive world for children of all abilities.
On Fostering Empathy, Understanding, and Kindness by Bambi Eloriaga-Amago
I am a mom of a person with autism, and a parent will always be the first person who will advocate for their children. I also happen to be an author, in a society where inequality and stigma still exist, and writing is the tool life has equipped me with to help change the world for my child.
To date, I have written two books to raise awareness on autism. One is an autobiographical graphic novel entitled “Doobiedoo Asks,” which chronicles my family’s autism journey, and the other is a children’s book entitled “Too Loud! Soothing Sensory Overload with Music,” which aims to show children how to help a friend experiencing difficulties.
But no matter what the intention, I still receive criticism over writing these books. I have been told that since I don’t have autism myself, I can’t presume knowing what persons with autism (PWA) experience. And I agree. I can’t. So I don’t write from the point of view of the misunderstood. I write as the one guilty of misunderstanding.
To be precise, I write about things that cause misunderstanding. One of them is sensory overload, this is when a PWA may feel anxious, stressed or upset when there’s too many sensory stimuli assaulting their senses — blinking lights, unexpected noises like the “ting” of a microwave oven timer, and cloying perfume are just a few examples of things that may be bearable to us, but can be uncomfortable or downright painful for them. A lot of us still don’t know sensory overload exists, but we actually see the effects on people who suffer it. Most of the time, it is labelled as being maarte (overly dramatic or sensitive) or sutil (hard-headed.)
“You’re just being a picky eater.”
“Wear that shirt, it doesn’t feel itchy to me.”
“It’s not that loud.”
These are comments said off-handedly but actually downplay or dismiss what they feel just because it’s different from what we feel.
When he was still undiagnosed, there were times when I downplayed my son’s experiences myself. Once, when he was a toddler, we went out to see a fireworks display. The boy cried and wanted to stay indoors instead. I thought he was just scared.
Much later, I witnessed just how sensitive his hearing was. He was watching TV in the bedroom and his dad was watching a video on a computer in the home office. The kid suddenly blurted out, “Papa, language! Please lower your volume.” And it wasn’t because the video on the PC was turned up high, he was bothered that people in the video were using “bad words.” He and his dad were in separate rooms that were about ten meters apart! For him to clearly understand the words being said from a room meters away in a video with the volume on a reasonable level made me realize how unexpected sounds can be bothersome or uncomfortable for him.
This is the kind of understanding that I hope readers will takeaway from “Too Loud!”, to be able to put themselves in others’ shoes, and that it doesn’t take much to be accepting and kind. The road to empathy and acceptance is first paved by understanding, and I hope “Too Loud!” can help point the way.
Bambi Eloriaga-Amago is a Philippines-based comic book writer and children’s book author. Her works have won several awards and acclaim, including two nominations for the 2025 International Board on Books for Young People’s Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities for her graphic novel, “Doobiedoo Asks” and children’s book, “Too Loud!” Bambi also currently acts as Managing Editor for USA-based manga publisher, Seven Seas Entertainment.
Bambi’s “Too Loud” is available at the Rizal Center Pamana Children’s Library in Chicago. Be sure to check them out on your next visit!
Read about Pamana Children’s Library story and our mission by visiting our page on the Rizal Center website: https://rizalcenter.org/programs/pamana-childrens-library/.
Follow us on Instagram
We’re now on Instagram! Follow us at @pamanalibrary_chicago for updates on our collection, events, and activities as we celebrate Filipino culture and heritage. Join us in a nurturing love for Filipino literature and exploring the beautiful stories that connect us all!
Support the Pamana Children’s Library
At Pamana, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling and the joy of books to connect generations and celebrate cultural identity. Our mission is to inspire young minds by sharing the rich traditions, values, and stories of the Philippines, fostering a sense of community. Since our opening in December 2023, our dedicated volunteers have engaged Filipino families in the greater Chicago area through enriching story times and cultural events.
To sustain these vital programs, we kindly ask for your support through one-time or monthly donations. Your contributions directly benefit the children and families we serve.
As the program of the Rizal Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donations may be tax-deductible.
Thank you for considering a gift to help us continue our mission!
Donate now
Leave a Reply