By David Nailer for 2Shades Magazine
Grit, grace, and a touch of glittering illusion — that’s what defines Angus Baskerville’s extraordinary memoir, Naughty but Neurodiverse – An Aspie’s Road to Magic. It’s a book that doesn’t just tell a story; it invites you into the world of a young man who found light in the places most would have given up hope.
Bullied. Excluded. Expelled from three schools. For many, that might have been the end of the story. But for Angus, it was the beginning of something far more powerful. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD at fifteen, he finally had an explanation for the whirlwind he had lived with all his life. Yet it wasn’t until discovering magic at seventeen that everything changed.
Magic gave him more than a skill — it gave him purpose, structure, and a way to communicate in a world that often misunderstood him. His journey from isolation to inspiration unfolds with raw honesty and a quiet kind of triumph that lingers long after you turn the last page.
It’s impossible not to feel moved by his transformation. The pivotal moment comes when Angus performs at Autism’s Got Talent, the groundbreaking showcase created by Anna Kennedy OBE. Stepping into that spotlight, Angus wasn’t just performing tricks — he was reclaiming his identity. That night became the launchpad for a remarkable career that would take him from misunderstood teen to award-winning magician, Magic Circle member, and autism advocate.
Today, Angus Baskerville performs across the UK, dazzling audiences with performances that weave illusion and insight. He leads corporate workshops, runs school magic clubs, and continues to champion autism awareness with the charity Anna Kennedy Online. Through it all, his message remains beautifully simple — being different is not a flaw to fix, but a gift to embrace.
Naughty but Neurodiverse is an emotional, uplifting, and often funny read that captures the resilience of the human spirit. Baskerville writes with warmth and disarming honesty, sharing moments of confusion, humour, and triumph. His story gives readers — whether autistic, parents, teachers, or simply curious souls — a new lens through which to see neurodiversity: one filled with creativity, courage, and heart.
This isn’t just a memoir; it’s a manifesto for understanding and acceptance. Angus reminds us that the real magic lies not in illusion, but in authenticity — in daring to be unapologetically yourself in a world that often tells you to hide your light.
In a time when inclusion is still learning to find its true meaning, Angus Baskerville stands out as a shining example of what can happen when passion meets purpose.
A heartwarming, inspiring, and utterly magical read — one that deserves a standing ovation.
Where to Buy:
Naughty but Neurodiverse – An Aspie’s Road to Magic is available now on Amazon UK.
Angus says:
“If even one person reads this and feels seen, understood, or inspired — then it’s all been worth it.”
2Shades Magazine 