Parents of Kids with Disabilities Praise Colin Farrell for Opening Up About His Son's Special Needs Diagnosis

Farrell shares his 20-year-old son James with former partner and 'Ondine' costar Alicja Bachleda-Curuś

After Colin Farrell opened up about his 20-year-old son James' special needs diagnosis, many other parents of kids with special needs were happy to see the actor using his platform to raise awareness and help others.

In this week's cover story, Farrell shared that he's launching the Colin Farrell Foundation which aims to support kids who have intellectual disability through advocacy, education and innovative programs.

Farrell, whose son James was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome at 2½ years old, tells PEOPLE that he's chosen to open up about life with his son because James will soon age out of many of the support systems provided for families with kids who have special needs.

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Related: Colin Farrell Starts Foundation in Honor of Son with Angelman Syndrome as He Opens Up About Their Life (Exclusive)

Above all else, Farrell hopes that his son will be able to live in a world full of kindness and hope.

“I want the world to be kind to James,” the actor tells PEOPLE. “I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”

“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Farrell says. “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.”

After sharing his son's story, many other parents of kids with special needs took to the comments on YouTube and Instagram to share their own stories, praising Farrell's choice to use his reach to help others.

For more of Farrell's exclusive interview, pick up this week's issue of PEOPLE on newsstands Friday.

"My son has autism, epilepsy and an undefined muscular disorder. We still have no diagnosis for his muscular disorder," one person wrote on YouTube. "I'm on the phone with insurance 10 hours a week arguing to get the support that he needs, they fight me on EVERYTHING. Thank you for being such a good dad and shining light on the subject."

"My son is now 38. We are in our sixties. Life is hard," another said. "All any parent wants is to see their kids well and happy. We will never get the 'well' part and trying to get equipment for my son is so expensive. He is quadriplegic and the special wheelchairs cost more than my car!"

"They wear out every 7 years or so because he's in it 17 hours a day," they continued. "We found that after 16, the charities and services just aren't interested anymore when you haven't got a 'cute kid.' Life is hard. Thank you for trying to help over 16's disabled people."

On Instagram, many parents whose kids also have Angelman syndrome shared that they are so appreciative that Farrell is shining a light on the syndrome.

"My son has angelman syndrome and I could not be more thankful for this! It's not talked about enough!" one person wrote.

"My daughter lives with Angelman syndrome and I'm very grateful to Colin and People magazine for raising awareness," another wrote.

Many wrote that they were so grateful to the Banshees of Inisherin actor for raising awareness on these disabilities as there aren't many resources in place to help adults with special needs.

"I'm happy that someone is speaking out," one person said. "I have a disabled adult-child and it's hard to find others who go through what you're going through. One day I look forward to sharing my daughter's story."

"Thank you for all you do for getting information and awareness out there! Our son Jackson is 25 years old and we struggle sometimes for help and assistance! This would amazing," another said of Farrell's new foundation.

For more information or learn how you can offer support, visit www.colinfarrellfoundation.org.

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