Recognizing famous people with Angelman syndrome is important since disorders don’t target individuals on the basis of their status and income level.
Developmental delays, intellectual challenges, speech problems, and movement problems are all symptoms of this syndrome, a rare and complicated neurodevelopmental condition. It is brought on by problems with the UBE3A gene, which emerges during fetal development.
Every fetus can get Angelman syndrome, although it is uncommon and therefore, there are also famous people with Angelman syndrome.
The majority of cases are caused by spontaneous gene mutations, which means that neither the biological parent(s) nor the child passes on the illness.
What is Angelman Syndrome? What Causes It?
A complex genetic disorder called Angelman syndrome predominantly affects the nervous system. This may result in mobility and balance issues, significant speech impairment, intellectual incapacity, and developmental delays.
Those who have this syndrome are born with it. It has no accurate identified risk factors. Since the disorder is hereditary, some people believe that having a family member with it increases your risk. Nonetheless, the illness only affects one in 12,000 to 20,000 people, making it uncommon overall.
Famous people with Angelman Syndrome – are they any different?
It has become especially important to write about famous people with Angelman syndrome as stereotypes and prejudices continue to prevail in society.
Since famous people are constantly under the spotlight, it takes courage and a positive attitude towards mental health disorders to talk about their conditions. Here are two parents who decided to keep the odds at bay:
1) Colin Farrell’s Son
Colin Farrell, a prominent Hollywood personality, learned in October 2007 with great sadness that his son James has been diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. This condition typically doesn’t manifest until later in life.
Developmental and intellectual delays, a lack of happiness and speech, as well as an exuberant demeanor, are features of this hereditary health issue.
The family continues to raise awareness and offers encouraging words to other families.
“Everything [my son has] achieved in his life has come through the presence and the kind of will that is hard work.”
2) Ian Rankin’s Son
In a recent interview with Ian Rankin, he had a simple question – why does it take a celebrity or a famous voice for people with disabilities to be heard? Ian is a famous crime writer and supports famous people with Angelman Disorder.
His son, who is 26 years old with Angelman syndrome, is in a care facility near the family home and needs round-the-clock assistance.
According to his father, Kit is very dependent on other people, yet other people seem to get along wonderfully with him. He can’t dress or feed himself, he can’t sign or speak, and he uses a wheelchair.
Angelman Syndrome: Signs & Symptoms
Angelman syndrome individuals typically begin to exhibit observable symptoms between the ages of six and 12 months. Early childhood is when further symptoms of the illness appear. They may consist of:
- A limited span of attention
- Trouble sleeping
- Intellectual handicap
- Severe weakening of speech
- Seizures
- Delays in development
- Rounded, hefty facial features with thicker skin
- A cheerful, animated disposition
- Hyperactivity
A large chin, deep-set eyes, an excessively broad mouth with a noticeable tongue, unevenly spaced molars, and an abnormally flat back of the head are just a few of the distinguishing facial traits that people with Angelman syndrome may have.
Treatment for Angelman Syndrome: What are the Options?
Famous people with Angelman syndrome also receive the same treatment as the general population. They also go through similar trials and turbulations. The symptoms are treated as part of the treatment. If medication is ineffective in reducing the risk of seizures, this may entail taking medication or even undergoing surgery to try and avoid seizures.
If they have behavioral issues, they could consult a psychologist or another mental health professional to help concentrate on solutions. A speech therapist may be able to teach a child with Angelman syndrome how to communicate using sign language, an iPad, or even other methods if they are nonverbal or have limited language skills.
If they have mobility limitations, individuals with Angelman syndrome could also benefit from physical treatment to improve their strength and coordination. Depending on the individual, they may receive all or some of these therapies.
Even famous people with Angelman syndrome are capable of independent living. They frequently suffer from severe impairment and have poor communication skills with people they don’t know well. Anyone unfamiliar with these issues may find it difficult to solve them.
Adults with Angelman syndrome can occasionally transition to a group care setting. While there is no known cure, there are therapies and treatments that can be used to assist in managing symptoms, building physical stamina, and perhaps even enhancing communication.
Whether it’s famous people with Angelman syndrome or those who are not famous, finding assistance is possible.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master’s degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.