What Is Angelman Syndrome? Colin Farrell Reveals Son James Lives With Rare Disorder

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.

“This is the first time I’ve spoken about it, and obviously, the only reason I’m speaking is I can’t ask James if he wants to do this,” Colin explained to the outlet in the interview published on August 7. “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. 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.”

Learn more about James’ condition and Colin’s life as a dad, below.

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.

How Many Kids Does Colin Farrell Have?

Colin shares James with ex Kim Bordenave and younger son Henry with actress Alicja Bachleda-Curús.

During his interview with PEOPLE, the Banshees of Inisherin actor explained how he manages being a dad to James.

“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Colin pointed out. “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.”