Celebrity "Autism Moms," Are You Listening?

Perhaps the Hollywood Autism Mom's club, along with the "celeb" mothers a la "Autism Everyday" could learn a thing or two from the so-called "bad-boy" turned obviously proud and devoted father, Colin Farrell. I wonder if they are listening?

Colin Farrell Says His Son Is Exactly the Way He Should Be

“He’s nothing but a gift,” Farrell, 31, said about son James on the Irish interview show Tubridy Tonight. With paternal pride he said: “As far as I’m concerned he’s exactly the way he should be.”

The genetic disorder, which can impair speech, movement and balance meant that James walked his first few steps last fall, when he was 4. “It’s just different,” said the actor. “It’s not different to me. He has his own path. He’s just brilliant.”

“I didn’t talk about my son [but] I felt like I was betraying him, like it could be misconstrued as shame, which would be terrible, because he’s such a celebration,” says Farrell.

Questioning the concept of “normal,” Farrell says his son is happier than so many people in the world. “I look around and I see people who move perfectly, who walk with grace, who speak with great diction and clarity and a great use of the English language and we’re all miserable f—ers – including me, at times.

“And then I see this fella who doesn’t move the way what’s perceived to be ‘normal’ is, and he’s as happy as can be.”

Wouldn't it be nice if one day a celebrity, or other parent in the public eye, speak such loving, passionate words about their autistic child--for all the world to hear? There's no pity party here for Mr. Farrell. He's not pleading for sympathy, contemplating jumping off a bridge, or spatting about controversial cures. No, he has taken a path (not often traveled by parents of autistic children we see over & over again in the media) in which he celebrates his son, advocates for his child and others with Angelman Syndrome. It is my hope that his words will inspire and encourage others to follow his lead (Jenny? Anyone?).


Bold & enlarged by author!! Link to complete article above.