Henry Normal autism memoir to Two Roads

Kate Hewson at Two Roads has acquired A Normal Family, a memoir by Henry Normal, comedy writer and founder of the Baby Cow production company, on life with his autistic son Johnny. Two Roads bought world rights from Paul Stevens at Independent Talent.

Normal is the TV producer and comedy writer behind shows "The Mighty Boosh" and "The Royle Family" among others.

At the height of Normal's career, his young son Johnny was diagnosed with "mildly severe" autism. Now, aged 18, his son likes art, music and going to the beach, he is funny, strong-willed and his own person. But he will also never get a job, never have a girlfriend and never leave home.

The book is described as a "go-to" for anyone whose life has been touched by autism and is the product of Normal's coming to terms with his son's diagnosis over the past two decades. A Normal Family was a Radio 4 special in July, and more Radio 4 shows are planned, as well as an Edinburgh run of the show.

Hewson, senior editor at Two Roads, said: "We hope it will be the go-to book for anyone faced with a daunting diagnosis, as well as a wonderful, warm story of the unconditional, unconventional love between a father and a son."

Two Roads will publish A Normal Family in hardback and e-book in May 2017.