Colin Farrell's candid revelations about parenthood and disability have shed light on his family's journey with Angelman syndrome.

According to the Irish Mirror, the 48-year-old actor has opened up about his difficult decision to place his 21-year-old son James in long-term care, expressing deep concerns about his child's future wellbeing.

The Dublin native shared details about his son's initial misdiagnosis with cerebral palsy, which was later corrected to Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting the nervous system and causing severe developmental delays.

Understanding Angelman syndrome and its challenges

Angelman syndrome manifests through significant developmental delays, with signs appearing between 6 to 12 months of age. Children with this condition often struggle with basic motor skills and may never develop speech capabilities.

The HSE explains that most individuals with this syndrome can communicate through alternative methods such as gestures and signs. Movement difficulties are common, including problems with balance and coordination.

The condition typically results from either a missing or altered UBE3A gene, occurring randomly during conception. Despite its challenges, people with Angelman syndrome generally have a normal life expectancy.

Colin Farrell's journey as a special needs parent

The Batman star and his ex-partner Kim Bordenave are actively searching for appropriate long-term care facilities for James. Their primary concern centers on ensuring their son's future care should anything happen to them.

Farrell shared with PEOPLE Magazine:

We want him to find somewhere where he can have a full and happy life, where he feels connected. It's tricky, some parents will say 'I want to take care of my child myself' and I respect that. But my horror would be... What if I have a heart attack tomorrow, and, God forbid, James' mother, Kim, has a car crash and she's taken too – and then James is on his own?

The actor's commitment to advocacy led him to establish the Colin Farrell Foundation last year, focusing on supporting adult children with intellectual disabilities. This initiative emerged from his recognition of the limited protections available after disabled individuals turn 21.

Legal steps and parental responsibilities

In 2021, Farrell and Bordenave took legal action to secure conservatorship for James, ensuring their continued ability to make crucial decisions about his care and future.

The legal arrangement allows them to oversee various aspects of James's life, including education, medical procedures, and personal relationships. This step demonstrates their commitment to maintaining involvement in their son's care decisions.

Speaking about his experience as a special needs parent, Farrell stated:

He has enriched my life, but I don't want to minimise the trials that so many families go through; the fear, consternation, frustration, and pain... When you're the parent of a child with special needs, it's important to feel that you're not alone.

Moving forward with hope and determination

The Oscar-nominated actor's openness about his family's challenges has brought attention to the complexities of caring for children with rare genetic disorders. Colin Farrell and Kim Bordenave continue their search for appropriate long-term care facilities while maintaining their commitment to James's wellbeing. Their story highlights the importance of planning for the future care of special needs individuals and the critical role of support systems in their lives.