Stars who have spoken out about raising children with unique challenges

There are a few celebrities who have been open about having children with special needs, such as autism, Angelman syndrome, and Down syndrome.

Many of these stars are actively involved in advocating for awareness and support of disabilities.

Check out who they are:

Victoria Beckham

The fashion designer shocked the world when she berated a paparazzi in 2006 after they flashed their camera lights trying to capture her then 4-year-old son, Romeo Beckham, at the airport.

“He’s got epilepsy… all that flashing will start an epileptic fit… you can’t do that,” she lashed out at the press, per People.

Denise Richards

The Starship Troopers actress’s daughter, Eloise, was diagnosed with a chromosome disorder in 2017.

Denise admitted that the doctors “don’t really have a road map” for her daughter’s case.

“I don’t know if [Eloise] is ever going to talk like a typical child. But as a parent, you want what’s best for your children, and you just do it,” she told People.

Colin Farrell

The Irish actor's son, James, has a rare genetic disorder called Angelman Syndrome that leaves him nonverbal and unable to care for himself.

“By virtue of his honesty, struggle, persistence and his personality, James brings out the best in people. He literally saved my life,” Colin said while gushing over his son.

He added, “I was on a destructive path. When I couldn't make the changes in my life for myself, I made them for James. He gave me the reason to be a better man and father.”

Gary Cole

The Office Space actor’s daughter, Mary, was diagnosed with an autism-spectrum disorder when she was 18 months old.

Gary has used his platform to raise awareness about special needs.

“People with autism, I don’t like to think of it as a disability, I like to think of it as another way of thinking or perceiving,” he said on Access Hollywood.

The actor added, “And I felt my job was to try to perceive everything on some level through her eyes so I could know what it was like to walk in her shoes.”

Caterina Scorsone

Lastly, the Grey’s Anatomy actress’s daughter, Pippa, born in 2016, has Down syndrome.

Initially, it scared Caterina, but now she advocates for a better understanding of what raising a child with the genetic disorder is like.

“My daughter is perfect. Exactly the way she is,” she said.