Colin Farrell has typically been very private about his home life, but now he’s opening up about his experience having a child with Angelman syndrome. Despite being relatively common, affecting 1 in 12,000 to 20,000 people, the disorder receives very little publicity, leaving most of us in the dark about what it is and how it affects those who live with it. Fortunately, Farrell decided that the best thing for his son James and those like him is to shine a light on the difficulties and unique challenges surrounding Angelman syndrome.
What is Angelman syndrome, and how does it affect Colin Farrell’s son, James?
In an exclusive interview with People, Colin Farrell opened up about life with his son James, who has Angelman syndrome. James was diagnosed with a neurogenetic disorder when he was a toddler, and now, at 20, he still struggles to find the support he deserves.
Angelman syndrome is caused by a mutation or deletion of the UBE3A gene on Chromosome 15. It affects all aspects of life, and symptoms are widespread:
Symptoms encountered in all people living with Angelman syndrome are:
- Severe developmental delay.
- Speech impairment: minimal or no use of words.
- Movement or balance disorders which can include tremulous movement or ataxia of gait.
- Atypically positive behavior:
- Frequent laughter and smiles.
- Happy demeanor.
- Easily excitable, often expressed with hand flapping.
- Hypermotoric behavior
- Short attention span
Frequently, those living with Angelman syndrome also display these symptoms:
- Abnormal EEG
- Microcephaly
- Seizures
Finally, these symptoms may occur more infrequently:
- Digestive disorders, including GERD and constipation
- Drooling
- Fascination and attraction to water
- Flat back of head
- Flexed and uplifted arms when walking
- Hyperactive tendon reflexes
- Hypopigmented eyes and skin
- Increased heat sensitivity.
- Prominent mandible
- Problems feeding during infancy
- Sleep disturbances
- Smooth palms
- Strabismus
- Tongue thrusting along with swallowing disorders
- Wide mouth with wide-spaced teeth
Despite the numerous negative symptoms, those with Angelman syndrome have a normal life expectency. While that’s wonderful, it also presents a major challenge. According to Farrell, when James turns 21 this year, he will age out of many available support programs. Unfortunately, this leads to many special needs adults being left behind by society, which can be disastrous for people like James, who require life-long care.
Thankfully, Colin Farrell has created a foundation to support adults with intellectual disabilities. You can learn more or support the Colin Farrell Foundation on the official website.
