Colin Farrell issues emotional plea about non-verbal son, 20, who has rare neurogenetic disorder-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro

Colin Farrell has opened up about his son’s rare illness (Picture: Getty)

Colin Farrell has urged the world to treat his son, James, ‘with kindness’ over his rare neurogenetic disorder.

The In Bruges actor shares the 20-year-old with Kim Bordenave – the former couple welcomed their first child together in 2003.  

It was previously revealed James suffers from Angelman syndrome, a complex neurological condition which can cause movement disorder, difficulty swallowing, slow brain wave patterns, small flat head, epilepsy, low muscle tone and breathing problems.

The Hollywood icon, 48, became emotional as he opened up about the condition for the first time in a new interview, unveiling the Colin Farrell Foundation to provide help and support for adults who have intellectual disabilities, and their families.

‘I want the world to be kind to James,’ he told People Magazine. ‘I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.

‘I’m proud of him every day, because I just think he’s magic.’

Colin became a dad in 2003, welcoming James with Kim Bordenave (Picture: Getty)

‘Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,’ he shared of why he has now decided to launch the foundation after years of thinking about it.

‘All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes, that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and more often than not is left behind.’

As a baby, Colin explained that James wasn’t hitting certain developmental milestones – he was unable to sit up, crawl or walk – leading to a ‘common misdiagnosis’ of cerebral palsy aged one.

It wasn’t until he was two years old that another doctor suggested that he should get tested for Angelman syndrome.

Colin has launched the Colin Farrell Foundation (Picture: Getty)

The Banshees of Inisherin star teared up as he recalled seeing the ‘overwhelmingly beautiful’ moment that his son took his first steps just before his fourth birthday, as many people who suffer from the condition are unable to walk.

‘He works harder than I’ve ever had to work on myself,’ he said, explaining that James sometimes struggles taking his clothes and socks off. ‘All these things are huge, huge achievements.

‘If anything, he also gifts me with the ability to look at the human being, the human body, and life as a marvel. I see how much he struggles with things I would never have given a second’s thought to. That many of us take for granted.’

Colin added that his children – he also welcomed son Henry with actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś – are his biggest joys, and what he is most grateful for.

Colin is also dad to son Henry, with Alicja Bachleda-Curuś (Picture: Getty)

According to the Mayo Clinic, Angelman syndrome is caused by a genetic change, and leads to ‘delayed development, problems with speech and balance, mental disability, and, sometimes, seizures’.

Developmental delays are often the first signs of Angelman syndrome and can begin between about 6 and 12 months of age – many who have been diagnosed with the illness tend to laugh a lot and are easy to excite.

Although the condition cannot be cured, people tend to live ‘close to a typical life span’, and treatment often focuses on ‘managing medical, sleep and developmental issues’.

While this is the first time that Colin has spoken in depth about his son’s health, he previously filed for conservatorship of James – along with ex Kim – in 2021, so they could manage his personal needs and medical decisions.

They requested for the court to grant them the power to make decisions about his education, control his social and sexual relationships – including whether or not he can marry – access confidential records, and grant or refuse permission for medical procedures.

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