In a rare new interview Farrell got candid about James' condition and his diagnosis. James, now 20, was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome in 2007 -- a rare neurogenetic disorder characterized by developmental delays, lack of speech, seizures and impaired balance. Angelman Syndrome is often misdiagnosed as autism or cerebral palsy, and that's exactly what happened with James.
The rare neurogenetic disorder involves developmental delays, seizures, and impaired balance. Misdiagnosed as autism or cerebral palsy, James’s condition was identified after a neurologist noted frequent laughter. Farrell now advocates for those with intellectual disabilities through the Colin Farrell Foundation.
It wasn't until his son was about two-and-a-half that the Academy Award-nominee, who shares James with his ex, model Kim Bordenave, said a pediatric neurologist noticed a telltale sign of the syndrome -- sudden outbreaks of laughter.
This interview marks the first time he's really opening up about his son's condition and the way he wants the world to see him as he approaches his 21st birthday.