Actor Colin Farrell, long an advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, has started a foundation in honor of his son, James, who has Angelman syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder.

The 48-year-old actor has launched the Colin Farrell Foundation as his son is on the cusp of turning 21, when most people with intellectual disabilities age out of assistance programs.

“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Farrell told People. “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.”

The foundation will attempt to turn that around with advocacy, education and programming to support adult children who have intellectual disabilities.

“I want the world to be kind to James,” Farrell told People. “I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”

He actually wants that for everyone, he said, and for years has “wanted to do something in the realm of providing greater opportunities for families who have a child with special needs, to receive the support that they deserve, basically the assistance in all areas of life,” he told the magazine.

Those with intellectual disabilities are no less deserving of autonomy and community than anyone with full capabilities, he noted. They just need a bit more help getting there.

What is Angelman syndrome?

Angelman syndrome occurs in one out of every 15,000 live births, or 500,000 people worldwide, according to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. Because it looks a lot like autism, cerebral palsy and other disorders, it is often misdiagnosed.

Symptoms show up as early as 6 months of age in the form of developmental issues, and may manifest in early childhood with walking and balance disorders, gastrointestinal issues, seizures and “little to no speech,” the foundation’s website says.

“Despite these symptoms, people with Angelman syndrome have an overall happy and excitable demeanor,” the website says. “An individual with AS will light up a room with their smile and laughter.”

That is exactly true for James, Farrell told People. His son is nonverbal, but “the goodness that he has in his heart” shines through, Farrell said. “I’m proud of him every day, because I just think he’s magic.”

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