Hollywood actor Colin Farrell has spoken for the first time about his personal life and his son James, who suffers from Angelman syndrome, a rare disease that affects mental development, speech and balance.
Inspired by his personal life, the 48-year-old Irish actor recently launched the Colin Farrell Foundation to help people battling this intellectual disability.
Farell was deeply affected by the condition of his 20-year-old son, who was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome as a child and whom he shares with his ex-partner Kim Bordenave.
In an interview with People, where he shared information about his son, he said, “Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own.” The actor has said that ultimately, all safety measures will be put in place and special education classes will go away. “You’re left with a young adult who should be an integral part of our modern society and more often than not, they’re left behind,” the actor added.
The same aspect of his family’s experience further fueled his decision to share the Colin Farrell Foundation with the world by offering support to adult children with these types of disabilities. The foundation will support advocacy, education and some innovative programs on these cases.
The actor also mentioned that his son speaks English fluently and has cognitive ability appropriate for his age. The actor will be the president of a newly created organization and hopes that the world will treat his son “with kindness and respect.”
What is Angelman syndrome?
Angelman syndrome is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects the nervous system and arises from abnormalities in a specific gene known as UBE3A.
The nervous system acts as the main control center of our body, starting from the brain and regulating our movements, thoughts, behaviors and automatic reactions to the environment.
Although Angelman syndrome is rare, it tends to occur in any fetus. Most cases are due to a spontaneous genetic mutation, meaning that the condition is not inherited from biological parents and affects males and females equally.
The worst part is that Angelman syndrome is currently being explored in treatments that target specific genes. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and addressing developmental delays in children affected by Angelman syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Angelman syndrome?
People with this syndrome have developmental delays that become noticeable between 6 and 12 months, and their seizures begin around 2-3 years of age.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that features of the disorder include developmental delays, speech impediments, intellectual delays, problems with movement and balance, and recurrent seizures.
Gastrointestinal, orthopedic, and ocular problems are common, as well as hyperactivity and poor attention span.
Children with this condition typically have a “happy, excitable demeanor” and often smile, laugh, and make flapping motions with their hands.
People with Angelman syndrome have distinctive facial features, such as a small head, wide mouth, large tongue, widely spaced teeth, and a large lower jaw.
How is Angelman syndrome treated?
There is no cure for Angelman syndrome. Treatment for Angelman syndrome focuses on managing medical problems and developmental delays.
Treatment includes physical therapy, speech therapy, seizure medication, and behavioral therapy.
First published: August 9, 2024 | 12:11 pm IS
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