Colin Farrell sets up foundation in honour of son with Angelman Syndrome

Colin Farrell has set up a foundation in honour of his son who has Angelman Syndrome.

Angelman Syndrome is  is a genetic disorder that mainly affects the nervous system. Symptoms include a small head and a specific facial appearance, severe intellectual disability, developmental disability, limited to no functional speech, balance and movement problems, seizures, and sleep problems.

The 48-year-old Dublin actor opened up to People Magazine about life with son James and setting up the foundation. 

@people #ColinFarrell is opening up about the moment his son James, who has a rare debilitating disorder called #Angelmansyndrome, took his first steps: "It was magic." ❤️ Read this week's cover story at the link in our bio. @Colin Farrell Foundation ♬ Hopeful - Ramol

Farrell said: "For years I wanted to do something in the realm of providing greater opportunities for families who have a child with special needs, to receive the support that they deserve, basically the assistance in all areas of life."

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Farrell set up the foundation as he noticed with his son turning 21 there is not as many supports in place for adults with disabilities and he wanted to bridge that gap.

Farrell told People Magazine: "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.

“I want the world to be kind to James. I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”

You can donate to The Colin Farrell Foundation here.