Aoife Dooley on neurodiversity and reading
Hey! I’m Aoife Dooley and I’m the author and illustrator of graphic novels Frankie’s World, Finding My Voice and Squid Squad.
As far back as I can remember I loved drawing and I used this as a way to communicate - sometimes words didn’t come easily. Reading is not something I was interested in, I thought it wasn’t for me, until I found the right book.
We all learn differently and when it comes to reading some of us are more visual than others, particularly if you are autistic or dyslexic for example. I remember growing up feeling embarrassed that I found it hard to read novels. I would buy books but just for the covers and my mam couldn’t get me interested in reading.
At this time I didn’t know I was autistic and that I learned differently to my classmates. It’s like I'd read the words and by the time I'd finish a few pages the story would completely vanish. I couldn’t understand how everyone else found it so easy and enjoyable. I especially hated when the teacher would make us read out loud in class. It was frustrating and made me believe I wasn’t good at reading, and that maybe reading wasn’t for me.
I had no interest for years until I came across some comic strips in a newspaper. The first strip I read was in the Herald paper and this got me reading everyday. This gave me confidence and encouraged me to read more.
My aunty bought me a graphic novel when I was about 10 and this is when I was introduced to Calvin and Hobbes, still one of my favourites today. This book taught me that I do like books and that I CAN read a whole book.
When I was in school graphic novels weren’t considered ‘real’ books but now they are praised across the country and beyond because they are for everyone and even more popular with the neurodivergent community helping to encourage reading.
