Colin Farrell discloses the devastating misdiagnosis of his son James
Colin Farrell has described how his son James had a devastating misdiagnosis of cerebral palsy before medical professionals realized he actually had Angelman syndrome.
The 48-year-old Phone Booth actor talked about the health of his first-born son in a recent interview, stating that after James, now 20 years old, failed to meet developmental milestones and had trouble sitting up or crawling as a baby, medical assistance was sought.
A uncommon neuro-genetic condition known as Angelman syndrome largely affects the nerve system, leading to significant intellectual and physical disabilities.
Colin, who has a former relationship with Kim Bordenave and shares James with her, described how many people with the unusual illness are mistakenly diagnosed with cerebral palsy because the symptoms of both conditions are identical.
‘[James] couldn’t sit up,’ he told People. He was not on all fours. When we took him to get thoroughly examined, I believe he was a year and a half old, and it was determined that he had cerebral palsy.
A group of disorders affecting coordination and movement caused by brain abnormalities occurring prior to, during, or shortly after birth are collectively referred to as cerebral palsy.
Other symptoms include trouble chewing, speaking, or seeing. Learning disabilities are also possible.
Given that it had many of the same traits, Colin stated that it was a frequent misdiagnosis. And it was undoubtedly depressing.
The Oscar contender disclosed that a pediatric neurologist had recommended testing for Angelman syndrome only when James was approximately two and a half years old.
He recalled asking, «What’s the life expectancy and how much pain is involved?» as his first two queries after learning of the diagnosis.
«As far as we can tell, life expectancy is the same for you and me, and pain, no,» the doctor then stated.
A physician tested for Angelman syndrome after seeing an odd symptom.
Colin continues, describing how fits of laughter are a feature of Angelman syndrome. The father of two said, «And the doctor noticed that James was laughing a lot and doing this movement [he waves his hands].»
Seizures are another characteristic of Angelman syndrome, which Colin, who also shares a 15-year-old son named Henry Tadeusz with 41-year-old Polish actress Alicja Bachleda-Curus, described as «one of the things that parents struggle with greatly.»
«Thankfully, James hasn’t had a breakthrough seizure in the last ten or eleven years,» he continued. «But, I’ve been in the hospital and in the back of ambulances with James.»
To help him end a seizure that lasted longer than three minutes, I gave him a dose of Diastat, a sedative, up his rectum. Determining the ideal dosage of medication without side effects is an extremely difficult task.
The Colin Farrell Foundation will be established by the actor to support, educate, and advocate for persons with intellectual impairments.
«I’ve never talked about it before, and the only reason I’m talking about it is obviously because I can’t ask James if he wants to do this.»
«He has worked so hard all his life, so hard,» said the proud father of his eldest son.
«His jerky gait, repetition, repetition, balance.» At the end of his first feeding session, his face resembles that of a Jackson Pollock. However, he succeeds in feeding himself admirably. Every day, I feel proud of him because I believe he is magical.
Colin also told the story of witnessing his son walk for the first time shortly before turning four.
Speaking to People about the «deep» moment, Colin stated, «I knew they [James’s caregivers] were working on walking.»
I stood there, and after she released him, he approached me. «It was really deep.» It was enchanted. I’ll never forget the look of resolve on his face as he approached me. After he had taken about six steps, I started crying.
Because of his terrible condition, James cannot speak and needs a live-in caretaker to assist him with daily activities.
Colin revealed that James had Angelman Syndrome when he was four years old, stating that his son had shown «amazing courage» in the face of his illness.
James’s parents petitioned for a conservatorship of him just before his 18th birthday, stating that he still required assistance with daily activities including getting dressed and preparing meals.
He continued by saying that he and James’ mother always find time to celebrate even the tiniest of accomplishments and life milestones, such as James saying his first words at age six, learning to feed himself at age 19, and controlling his seizures.
Although Colin told InStyle that he first made the decision to «talk publicly about the pride and joy I had in our son» when visiting the 2007 Special Olympics, he has always led a very private life and has not discussed his son in great depth until recently.
«He has brightened my life, but I don’t want to downplay the struggles that so many families face—the anxiety, worry, anguish, and frustration—» he stated. Feeling like you’re not alone is crucial when you’re a parent of a child with special needs.
Speaking about having a child with impairments, the Hollywood celebrity claimed that James was the primary factor in his recovery from addiction.
Kim, the mother of James, dated Colin from 2001 to 2003. Henry was later born to him and his Ondine co-star Alicja, with whom he dated from late 2008 until early 2010.
