Colin Farrell's Story Rings True
Note: We're excerpting this article from People Magazine. No one is spared the heartache of worrying about their disabled children, including actor Colin Farrell. The photos and video in the article will look very familiar to our readers. A loving parent, proud of every small gain and thinking about the future. One difference that caught my eye? "Live in caretaker." That's a luxury for the wealthy. I like how Farrell pointed out the cliff young adults face when Federally mandated services end at age 22. That's something I'd like to see the next administration address - adult services.
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“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Farrell says. “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.”
The Colin Farrell Foundation will provide support for adult children who have an intellectual disability through advocacy, education and innovative program
By Julie Jordan
Julie Jordan is an Editor at Large for PEOPLE. She has been with the brand for 25 years, writing cover stories and features and managing special issues including the Beautiful Issue and Sexiest Man Alive.
Published on August 7, 2024 08:00AM EDT
Colin Farrell's house is filled with a bustle and din that’s far from the actor’s comfort zone.
As photography and video teams scurry about the hillside home in Los Angeles, Farrell, 48, is keeping tabs on his son James, 20, who has Angelman syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder. James, who is nonverbal, is sitting in the backyard playing catch with his live-in caregiver. He makes eye contact with a journalist standing nearby and immediately throws the miniature basketball in her direction to include her in his game.
James’ eyes light up when he spots Farrell, but it’s nothing in comparison with the noticeable swell in his dad’s chest when those around them respond so sweetly to his son. “I want the world to be kind to James,” the actor tells PEOPLE. “I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.” Continue reading: Colin Farrell Starts Foundation in Honor of Son with Angelman Syndrome as He Opens Up About Their Life (Exclusive)
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My son was born in 1986 and was also one of the first ones to be affected by the autism epidemic. He is now in his thirties and life has been a constant series off challenges every step of the way. He also has epilepsy for which he takes medication and has had several grand mal seizures. His long time original neurologist just passed away at 61 and we now have to see another doctor this week and start all over. His regular doctor who he had for many years has just retired so we have to again start all over. Our lives have been a constant struggle to get him the services he needs and it has taken an emotional and very stressful toll on the whole family, including his older brother. We are always here for him and he is our first priority in everything we do. Life with autism is definitely a huge challenge for everyone affected by this condition. God help us all.
Posted by: Gayle | August 11, 2024 at 08:59 AM
Bill;
In your mind you are going to have to separate those that have worked hard, was lucky and know it; that climb the ladder to succeed, as those that have become rich by doing very evil things. .
It sounds like you are really bitter on anyone with success.
You have got to figure out the difference.
As far as charity and who will help with what, a lot of charity money is given and there are evil people with those charities that makes sure none of that money ever goes to those in real need as well.
Posted by: Benedetta | August 10, 2024 at 02:19 PM
Emma, About the governor's autistic son
So holding out for special powers. LOL. That is who wants to run a state, and now second in running a country.
That is what we need, another potential author to write a sequel to "Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel's Autism: My Journey as a Vaccine Scientist, Pediatrician, and Autism Dad " to Vaccines did not cause my son's special powers".
Posted by: Benedetta | August 10, 2024 at 02:14 PM
Infuriating:
https://notthebee.com/article/watch-as-cop-slams-father-to-the-ground-in-front-of-his-autistic-son-all-because-they-were-taking-an-early-morning-walk?utm_source=Not+The+Bee+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=08092024
Posted by: Laura Hayes | August 09, 2024 at 11:39 AM
These celebrities including this actor colin Farrel do not give a daman about poor/lower middle-class people with disabilities nor their families. These upper-class jerks have plenty of money to care for their disabled relative while those of much lower social and economic classes do not have time or economic resources to care for their family member and government help such as California Regional Centers nor SSDI do not provide enough money or respite care. It does not matter if he claims he wants to start a foundation for the rare disorder Angelman syndrome. How is this new organization going to help those with Angelman syndrome or any severe disability afford food, shelter. nursing care, special education, supportive employment, clothes, recreational activities, do need to go on?!
Posted by: Bill | August 09, 2024 at 10:19 AM
A touching interview with Colin Ferrell. I hope his foundation will help some severe autism families.
It looks like Harris' VP pick will continue to be silent on vaccine induced injuries....
Tim Walz and His Wife, Gwen, Open Up About Son's Non-Verbal Learning Disorder: 'His Secret Power'
https://people.com/gus-walz-learning-disorder-secret-power-exclusive-8691793
Their son's condition sounds just like my eldest son. We would not put him on medication until he was an adult and home schooled him from 7th- 12th grade. At that time, the very real downside of the medication was outweighed by his increasing panic attacks that interfered with his job. It was a game changer and he was able to use the lowest dose. He is very thin, however, and must pay close attention to his daily diet in order to maintain weight. With medication, he is able to focus well and was able to establish himself in a good career and is financially independent. Is vaccine injury the secret to his "super powers?" As an infant, my son screamed non-stop for several hours every day. The doctors said it was colic and there was nothing they could do for him. Of course, they didn't know what caused it. The screaming quit after about 3 months. My son was born in 1987 and was the first generation of babies to get the Hep B jab on the new vax schedule.
Posted by: Emmaphiladelphia | August 08, 2024 at 11:43 AM
I am so glad Colin Farrell is sharing his son’s story and shining a light on the issues faced by adults with special needs and their families. We need more celebrities to do the same.
Posted by: 4Bobby | August 08, 2024 at 11:29 AM