Inside Colin Farrell’s Toughest Choice: Why His Son with Angelman Syndrome Needed Special Care

In a recent interview, actor Colin Farrell shared the heartbreaking and challenging decision he made to place his 21-year-old son, James, in a long-term care facility. James, who has Angelman syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder, requires lifelong care due to developmental delays, speech, and motor difficulties.

Farrell admitted that the decision wasn’t easy, but it was one made with his son’s best interests in mind. “I had to think about James’s future, especially if something were to happen to me or his mother, Kim Bordenave,” Farrell explained. “It was crucial to find a place where he would be taken care of and still have a chance to live a fulfilling life, surrounded by a supportive community.”

The actor also emphasized the importance of family bonds, even while James is in care. Farrell mentioned that maintaining a strong connection with his son was vital to him and he continues to be an active part of James’s life.

Farrell opened up about the long road to James’s diagnosis, explaining that they initially thought he had cerebral palsy. It wasn’t until James was two and a half years old that doctors confirmed he had Angelman syndrome. Since then, Farrell has been deeply involved in James’s care, watching him make tremendous strides despite the challenges.

The actor also touched on the struggles families face when children with special needs age out of available services, typically at 21. He acknowledged that transitioning into adulthood with such a condition can be tough for both children and their families. To help address this issue, Farrell created the Colin Farrell Foundation, a non-profit aimed at providing support for young adults with intellectual disabilities.

Farrell’s decision to talk openly about his son’s condition has struck a chord with many people, raising awareness and shedding light on the challenges that families with special needs children face daily. His vulnerability in sharing this deeply personal journey has resonated with others going through similar struggles.