Colin Farrell Elyse Jankowski/Getty Images

Colin Farrell is opening up about his son with Angelman syndrome publicly for the first time, as well as revealed he’s launching a foundation to support people with intellectual disabilities.

In a recent interview with People magazine, the Oscar-nominated actor shared that his son James, who turns 21 in September, was diagnosed with the rare neurogenetic disorder at two and a half years old. He’s now speaking out to shed some light on his son’s condition and the fact that James, among others, will age out of many support systems for families with children who have special needs after their 21st birthday.

“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Farrell explained. “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 Batman actor also noted that the “only reason” he’s publicly talking about this now is because he “can’t ask James if he wants to do this,” as his son is nonverbal.

“I mean, I can. I speak to James as if he’s 20 and has perfect fluency with the English language and age-appropriate cognitive ability,” he said. “But I can’t discern a particular answer from him as to whether he’s comfortable with all this or not, so I have to make a call based on knowing James’s spirit and what kind of young man he is and the goodness that he has in his heart.”

Farrell is so proud of how hard James has worked “all his life,” which is one of the many reasons why the actor is launching the Colin Farrell Foundation. It will help bridge that gap and provide support for adult children who have intellectual disabilities through advocacy, education and innovative programs.

For years, the Sugar actor has “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,” adding that his son, and those similar to him, have “earned the right to have a greater degree of individuality and autonomy on life, and a greater degree of community.”

And Farrell believes that if James knew by speaking out they could help families and other young adults living with special needs, he would tell him, “‘Why are you even asking me? It’s a no-brainer.’”

“So that’s why we’re doing it. This is all because of James — it’s all in his honor,” he added. “I want the world to be kind to James. I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”

Farrell shares his son with his ex, Kim Bordenave

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