Actor Colin Farrell has taken a big step to help people with intellectual disabilities, inspired by his 20-year-old son, James, who has Angelman syndrome. This rare neurological disorder affects James’s everyday life, and Farrell’s concern for his son’s future led him to start the Colin Farrell Foundation. The foundation’s goal is to improve support and resources for people with intellectual disabilities, ensuring they receive the care and respect they need.
What Is Angelman Syndrome?
The condition through which Angelman syndrome is named is a specific, albeit rather rare, kind of genetically caused disorder of the nervous system. It was first identified in 1965 by Dr. Harry Angelman who is believed to be the namesake of the disorder. This disorder is rather infrequent; estimated to exist in one person out of a population of 12,000 to 20,000 globally. Angelman syndrome presents developmental delay, intellectual disability, speech impairment to those individuals afflicted with the condition.
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Angelman syndrome has features that are not typical for any other known syndromes including ataxia in which the patient is unable to maintain balance. The patients, majority of the time, present with a very jovial personality – one that exhibits smiling and laughing often. They could have a strained head,that is a feature referred to as microcephaly, prominent lower jaw, widely spaced teeth and some other features.
They also found the cause of the disorder to be in the fact that the gene called UBE3A is abnormally developed. This type of genetic malfunction influences the ways different structures of the brain manage with information flow, which contributes to symptoms of Angelman syndrome.
Living with Angelman Syndrome
Living of course with Angelman syndrome can be tough. Cognitive impairment is not observed but severe speech disturbances are characteristic of the disorder; therefore, patients use other forms of expressing themselves, such as gestures or special communication equipment. However, they are usually cheerful and happy most of the time.
Angelman syndrome can be easily confused with other disorders such as cerebral palsy or autism since the manifestation is similar. This can complicate the proper diagnosis of the disorder and its correct treatment as well. Currently, there is no known cure for Angelman syndrome and thus requires management of the symptoms in a way that enhances the quality of the affected individual’s life.
Managing Angelman Syndrome
Management of Angelman syndrome can only comprise intervention, since it has no cure and is purely a management syndrome, it entails treatment of the symptoms. For instance, epilepsy can be experienced by the disorder’s patients and treated with drugs or diet regimes. Behavioral therapy applies when it comes to matters such as anxiety. Another frequent complaint is sleep disorders and most often they can be eliminated by using certain recommendations regarding the process of sleeping and taking some pills.
Colin Farrell’s Mission
Since Colin Farrell was a father, he established this foundation due to the things he faced as a parent. According to Farrell, as James grows up, practically all the services which support children with IDs cease at the age of 21. This often means families are left to search for the help they require.
Farrell has said on his video that even with the resources it is not easy to secure appropriate care for James. This spurred him to establish the Colin Farrell Foundation, which will primarily aim at enhancing the living conditions of persons with PDID. The foundation will work on:
- Increasing Medicaid Funding: Making sure people with intellectual disabilities get enough financial help for their medical and daily care needs.
- Expanding Housing Options: Providing more housing choices so adults with intellectual disabilities can live independently with dignity.
- Raising Wages for Caregivers: Ensuring that caregivers are fairly paid for their important work, which directly affects the quality of life for the people they care for.
A Call for More Awareness and Support
Through the Colin Farrell Foundation, Farrell is not just helping his son, but also advocating for many others who face similar challenges. His work emphasizes the need for more awareness and better support for people with intellectual disabilities. Farrell hopes to make a positive impact, ensuring that those affected by Angelman syndrome and other intellectual disabilities get the care and opportunities they deserve.
