There is a similar story of a similarly afflicted guy who is a varsity wrestler, an Abercrombie & Fitch model, motivational speaker and one-time Larry King subject. Although these are no small feats, I hesitate to celebrate. This display is just the freak shows all over again except with better lighting. Their amazing talents make us feel less guilty for staring.
James Hampton, Hanry Darger, Edward Leedskalnin... discounted as "outsider art?" Who are these "insiders" anyway? These small, quiet men created the most pure, genuine, inspired expression you'll rarely see within the pretentious walls of an art gallery.
I honestly don't see the lighter "inspirational" turn of this story as any real consolation for this man. Cold hard justice for those punkass kids (a good tossing in prison perhaps?) would warm my heart more.