Colin Farrell provides rare insight into son's neurogenetic disorder, urges all to 'be kind'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Colin Farrell shedded light on Angleman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that requires constant care in a recent interview.

Farrell said that the condition has left his 20-year-old son, James, nonverbal and has caused him to struggle with balance and movement.

The Angelman Syndrome Foundation states that people with the disorder are anticipated to have normal lives and that many of them can pick up the necessary skills to live in group homes, but most will never be able to live totally on their own.

Colin Farrell wants 'the world to be kind' to son James

“I want the world to be kind to James,” Colin Farrell told People. “I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.” And that is eventually what motivated Farrell to let people into his house and provide a detailed account of his life with his son for the first time.

James, who Farrell shares with his ex-model Kim Bordenave, will turn 21 in September and eventually will age out a lot of the support networks meant for families with children who require special education.

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

Colin Farrell set to launch foundation for adult children with intellectual disabilities 

The Hollywood star is now establishing the Colin Farrell Foundation to help close that gap by offering advocacy, instruction, and creative programming to adult children with intellectual disabilities. “This is the first time I’ve spoken about it, and obviously the only reason I’m speaking is I can’t ask James if he wants to do this,” he said.

Farrell added, “I mean, I can. I speak to James as if he’s 20 and has perfect fluency with the English language and age-appropriate cognitive ability. But I can’t discern a particular answer from him as to whether he’s comfortable with all this or not, so I have to make a call based on knowing James’s spirit and what kind of young man he is and the goodness that he has in his heart.”

Colin Farrell says son James 'worked so hard all his life'

James "has worked so hard all his life, so hard," Colin Farrell added. "Repetition, repetition, balance, his jerky gait. When he started feeding himself for the first time, his face looks like a Jackson Pollock by the end of it. But he gets it in, he feeds himself beautifully. I’m proud of him every day, because I just think he’s magic."

As for the foundation, Farrell has "for years 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 said. James, and those like him, have "earned the right to have a greater degree of individuality and autonomy on life, and a greater degree of community."

The actor chose to believe "that if James knew getting his photograph in the back garden with me, which is not my favorite thing to do, if us doing this could help families and other young adults who live with special needs, he would say, ‘Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you even asking me? It’s a no-brainer,'" Farrell added. "So that’s why we’re doing it. This is all because of James— it’s all in his honor.”

Internet lauds Colin Farrell for being a dedicated father to specially abled son James

Netizens admired 'The Batman' star for being a perfect parent to his son. One fan commented on YouTube, "My son won the genetic lottery too. I believe that it makes you love them even more." 

Another praised, "His patience and love is so commendable. His love is obvious in his eyes. The tears he had just speaking of James' first steps. Wanting to know James' live expectancy and if he was in pain was a wonderful question to be in the thick of the diagnosis. Love this man even more. Respect always." 

"Wow! Colin has matured so much for the sake of James. Such a proud, loving & devoted Dad. My son, Kinlan has ASD, high functioning. I can relate to everything Colin says. He bought my friends house in Sandymount, Dublin. Small world! Colin is such a better man & father for having Henry & James. Bless you all," said one.

"This is a prime example of how children can bring out the best in parents," remarked someone else.

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