Author Kathy Lette tells Victoria Young about navigating her autistic son’s young adulthood – and the novel that was inspired by his love life
In an interview a few years ago with woman&home, Kathy Lette ‘came out’ about her son Julius’ autism, which she’d kept secret for 21 years. Her bestselling book, The Boy Who Fell to Earth, was a fictional account of life with an autistic child. Her new novel, Best Laid Plans, broaches the topic of autism and sex. Kathy lives in London, and also has daughter, Georgina, 24.
I’m very candid, so hiding something was out of character for me.
I waited until Jules was 21 to talk about his autism as I didn’t want to invade his privacy and I needed his permission. I did the right thing, but talking about it was a relief!
It taught me that it was better to shine a light into a dark corner.
It made others feel they are not alone and it connected me with the whole autistic community. But it’s amazing how much stigma still shrouds the condition. My aim by writing about autism is to normalise it. And that includes writing about sex. You never read about autism and sex, but it’s a big topic for us; in fact, it’s centre stage.
Jules prefers to say he has Asperger’s.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2017 من woman & home South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2017 من woman & home South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Till death do us part
It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages, said Nietzsche. He may be on to something, says Lorraine Kearney
Hit the ROAD
Ensure your vehicle is as ready as you are for your long-awaited summer road trip
Make a meal of it
There are two basic rules when it comes to wine and food pairing: acidic wine with acidic food, and low acid wine with savoury food, Lorraine Kearney learns
Update your GARDEN
Now's the time to refresh your outdoor space
the art of INTERIORS
Colour and texture are the stars of this apartment, writes MARGARET RAFFERTY
FALLING OFF THE DIET WAGON isn't a disaster
Changing your mindset is key when it comes to smashing your health and fitness goals, says Annie Deadman. Already let things slip? It's not over yet
LIFE after BETRAYAL
Broken trust can take on many forms, but there's always one common denominator - a feeling of hurt that can last for decades
The Ties That Bind
We're all humans, which means we all need relationships to survive. stands to reason that good relationships are the best kind to have. There are ways to get there, says Lorraine Kearney
A beauty REVELATION
The self-care sanctuary Nylde Hoffman and Riëtte Lategan introduced to Stellenbosch has become a sought-after location. We spoke to them about how clients and staff are equally important in their success
Love me, LOVE MY MONEY
Married people are generally wealthier than their single counterparts. But finding peace with your partner when it comes to finances can be a tall order