Colin Farrell revealed that his 20-year-old son, James, has been living with a disorder known as Angelman Syndrome. While speaking with PEOPLE in a recent interview, the Saving Mr. Banks star, 48, revealed the reason why he decided to tell the world about his son, whom he shares with a former partner.
What Is Angelman Syndrome?
According to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, the condition “shares symptoms and characteristics” with autism and cerebral palsy. It is a “rare neuro-genetic disorder that occurs in one in 15,000 live births or 500,000 people worldwide” and is “caused by a loss of function of the UBE3A gene in the 15th chromosome derived from the mother.”
Symptoms of Angelman Syndrome include seizures, sleep issues, developmental delays in adolescence, lack of speech and/or a frequently happy demeanor.
Can Angelman Be Cured?
Per the foundation’s website, scientists believe that a cure is possible. The life expectancy for each patient living with AS is the same as other human beings, as the disorder itself doesn’t cause death.
