Colin Farrell Opens Up About His Son With Angelman Syndrome

[frejabehaerich]

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Colin Farrell opens up for the first time about life with his 20-year-old son, James, who has a rare debilitating disorder called Angelman syndrome and why he's starting a foundation to help adult children with similar disabilities prepare for greater independence. The Colin Farrell Foundation will provide support for adult children who have

Comments

[calliope1975]

He's always spoken about James with so much love and understanding. Colin gets all the hearts.

[ohwutevernvm]

♥️

[babycheeses1]

He's lovely for doing that

There aren't enough services out there for adults with intellectual disabilities. And it really ends up being a full-time job for family members. And it's especially difficult because of aging parents.

And the sad truth is people and society at large doesn't understand or get it. They can be downright cruel about it. It's already a difficult situation as it it. If you see a family on a outing with an adult who has such a condition and said-adult starts having a meltdown or acts like a young child or doesn't act in a way you think an adult should, please just be kind. Please don't stare. Please don't give dirty looks. I promise everyone is tired. I promise you it took alot just to go on that outing.

(I'm talking from experience)

[anterrabre]

I get it. You are seen. ❤️

[myhipusername]

ive worked with students with intellectual disabilities and completely agree. there are times where you feel like you take two steps forward, three steps back. like you will have a routine down, everything is going great, but something out of your control happens and you want to make things better for them but sometimes you cant. so, so much respect and gratitude for the families, teachers, paraprofessionals, and all the other support resources who try to give those with id the life they deserve. my local school districts has adult school for them to continue their learnings and helps transition them to the workforce, so just remember there are services out there for days that are hard <3 youre not alone with your experiences

[sarafina126]

Thank you for all you do. I teach high school students with intellectual disabilities and I feel for them and their families as the waitlists to access these programs and homes are insane. I work with an older group which thankfully goes to the age of 21. I try to teach as many life skills and independence as possible before they graduate but you just want them to be ok afterwords.

They are honestly the best kids/adults to work with though. It's tough but also the most rewarding teaching job I've done.

[cosmic_starz]

I can't believe his son is 20.. what is time.

Colin seems like a great father. As someone who was abandoned by theirs, I have a soft spot for men who actually take care of their children, and do a good job at it. Bless.

[pi_lady]

I’ve been lucky to have a very present dad, I lived with him since I was a teen bc my mom has the emotional capacity of a child. My brother in law is also very present for my nieces, so I’m glad my immediate surrounding is filled with dads who show up.

[cosmic_starz]

I'm very thankful to have a wonderful mom who is also my best friend- I didn't need my father, but it would have been nice to have one (mine in particular would have just been a disappointment- so it worked out for the best in my case. Props to awesome single moms who also take on the role of the father- it's not easy.

[progression]

I wasn’t aware that his son has Angleman, all these years I thought it was autism. He clearly loves that kid so much. ♥️

My first exposure to Angleman was on TikTok a couple of years ago. A family runs an acct for this 16yo (I believe) who has it. All the ups and downs. She is so beautiful and looks so serene 99% of the time.

It both breaks my heart to know she’ll depend on her family and others her entire life AND I feel some hope for her every time she manages to overcome an obstacle her doctors said she’d never be able to touch. It’s so bittersweet to watch.

[martha_cf]

Is it Mykayla (I believe that is how you spell her name?)

Yes, I follow her, but it breaks my heart to see some of the comments, so rude and unnecessary.

[progression]

People are so weird. I really hope her family doesn’t take any of the comments to heart because they are doing their best.

[caramelaffair]

I follow her! She's very beautiful and I am thankful that she has so much support to help her overcome what she already has. She's already been self feeding for a little awhile, I think. But as someone who used to caregiver, I am glad that she is becoming more independent!