A young magician's inspirational story of how magic 'saved his life,' is being celebrated at a special event in Kenilworth this month.

'Naughty or Neurodiverse: An Aspie's Road To Magic' follows Angus Baskerville's journey from misunderstood child to professional magician, thanks to a new passion he discovered while holidaying with family as a teenager.

People have the chance to meet Angus and get their hands on a signed copy of his book at the event at Kenilworth Books in Talisman Square on Saturday 30 August between 10am-1pm.

Bullied, excluded, expelled from three schools, Angus grew up feeling like he didn't belong. Diagnosed with Asperger's and ADHD at 15, he finally had a name for the chaos he had always felt.

Now aged 29, he is enjoying huge national success with a magic career that includes a return to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival throughout August, on the back of a sell-out summer one-man show, Hidden Powers, and series of big ticket event performances.

He is also the proud recipient of a clutch of national awards, including last year, The Prestige Award, Ladies First Inspirational Awards and The Derek Award for standout acts at The Fringe.

Despite a packed schedule, Angus, from Binton, is still finding time to stay true to his pledge to 'pay it forward' as part of his ongoing mission to advocate for autism and mental health. He is helping others overcome the challenges of neurodiversity through workshops, holiday camps, mentoring and public speaking.

ullied, excluded, expelled from three schools, Angus grew up feeling like he didn't belong. Diagnosed with Asperger's and ADHD at 15, he finally had a name for the chaos he had always fel (image supplied)

"Lack of understanding of Asperger's Syndrome, when everyone thinks you're being odd or naughty when in actual fact it's something you can't help, can be a first-class ticket to serious mental health problems and it's why I urge people to fight to get their diagnosis as soon as possible."

"It wasn't until I found magic that I was able to make friends for the very first time. My social skills improved a lot."

As a Christmas gift in 2014 Angus' parents Neil and Kate enrolled him on a magic course at the famous Davenport's in London, bolstered by which he went on to compete in – and win - his sixth form talent contest. He earned money through his talent for the first time, performing tricks for tips in his local pub.

At 19, Angus joined Leamington and Warwick Magic Society and, in 2020 he was accepted as a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. Today, he is in high demand

among the magic and public speaking circuits, performing to a who's who list of rich and famous at prestigious venues across the country, including Windsor Castle, The Grosvenor Hotel Park Lane and Greenwich Theatre in London.

He's now mesmerising Edinburgh audiences once again with his all-new show on the famous Royal Mile.

Angus is also a regular keynote speaker at autism conferences, conventions and workshops around the country, and a proud neurodiversity ambassador for numerous charities and bodies (image supplied)

Angus is also a regular keynote speaker at autism conferences, conventions and workshops around the country, and a proud neurodiversity ambassador for numerous charities and bodies.

"I think if I had been diagnosed earlier things would have been different," he said. "I just felt like I was a bad person and the whole world was against me. I just didn't want to be here," he said.

After 13 years in the making, Angus now hopes his book will help others not only come to terms with, but embrace, their diagnosis.

He said: "I have written this book to show people what it's like to grow up with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I want to share what helped me and what didn't. I also want people to understand how being different isn't bad – it's powerful. I believe the people with autism have amazing gifts to offer the world.

"I've always been different. Not naughty. Not worse, not broken. Just different. Some people see autism as a disability, others see it as a gift. There are challenges – lots of them – but there are also strengths.

"This book is my way of giving back. I want to help people find out what autism looks like from the inside. I want to help parents, teachers and kids find hope and practical ideas. I want neurodivergent people of all ages to know they're not alone.

He added: "This book is such a proud moment for me. There were countless times when I thought about giving up and considered just deleting the whole thing! But it's always been my dream to share my story with the world and the feedback so far has been positive."

Charlotte Vaughan, of Kenilworth Bookshop, said: "We are really looking forward to having Angus Baskerville in the shop with us for a signing this summer. His book is an inspiration to us all and we hope people will pop in to meet Angus and hear more about his personal story."

'Naughty Or Neurodiverse: An Aspie's Road To Magic' is also available as a Kindle edition for £6.99 or in paperback for £17.99 from Amazon, visit Angus Baskerville Magic here.