Rumer Willis says sister Tallulah’s autism diagnosis ‘gave her permission to be exactly who she is’
Rumer Willis opened up about her younger sister Tallulah Willis’ autism diagnosis recently.
At the Autism Speaks Los Angeles Gala on Thursday, she introduced her ‘sensitive’ and ‘extraordinary sister,’ who was honored that evening, and spoke about her diagnosis.
During her speech, the Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood star said it was like a ‘homecoming’ when Tallulah, now 30, got diagnosed with autism as an adult at the age of 29 in the summer of 2023.
She said the diagnosis gave ‘her permission to be exactly who she is’ and gushed about Tallulah’s self-discovery, comparing the experience to ‘watching someone finally exhale after holding their breath for years,’ per People.
The 36-year-old actress — who confirmed her split from baby daddy Derek Richard Thomas two months earlier — said her sister always ‘stood out.’
Rumer Willis, 36, opened up about her younger sister Tallulah Willis’, 30, autism diagnosis at the Autism Speaks Los Angeles Gala on Thursday
‘From the very start, she stood out — not just for her creativity, which was wild and boundless, but for the way she seemed to exist on a slightly different frequency from the rest of us,’ she began.
‘While other kids were coloring inside the lines, she was busy inventing her own worlds,’ Rumer continued. ‘And honestly, most of us were lucky just to keep up. ‘
She said that her sister’s sparkle also presents as a ‘sensitivity.’
‘A way of experiencing the world that was both beautiful and, at times, overwhelming,’ she explained.
‘[There are] things most people never think about — textures, noises, crowded rooms — could feel like insurmountable hurdles,’ she said about Tallulah’s experience.
She also said she watched her sister navigate the challenges for years prior to her diagnosis.
‘It was like she had all the ingredients for peace but was stuck trying to make a recipe without the instructions,’ she shared.
‘When she finally received her autism diagnosis, it wasn’t a revelation so much as a homecoming,’ she explained.
The actress said it was like a ‘homecoming’ when Tallulah got diagnosed with autism as an adult at the age of 29 in the summer of 2023; pictured Thursday in Los Angeles
She said the diagnosis gave ‘her permission to be exactly who she is’ and gushed about Tallulah’s self-discovery, comparing the experience to ‘watching someone finally exhale after holding their breath for years,’ per People
The star also said that her ‘sensitive’ sister always ‘stood out’; the two seen in an Instagram snap
‘It gave her permission to be exactly who she is, without apology or explanation,’ she said.
Rumer said watching Tallulah ‘grow into herself’ has been ‘breathtaking.’
‘Since then, I’ve seen her grow into herself with a grace and confidence that are breathtaking. It’s like watching someone finally exhale after holding their breath for years.’
‘She’s found comfort in her skin, not by changing who she is, but by embracing it fully — quirks, sensitivities and all,’ she continued.
She celebrated Tallulah for turning her own experience ‘outward’ to help others.
She said: ‘Tallulah has placed her energy into building a community where others — especially women, who are often overlooked — can find understanding and belonging.
‘Since then, I’ve seen her grow into herself with a grace and confidence that are breathtaking. It’s like watching someone finally exhale after holding their breath for years; pictured in September alongside sister Scout and mother Demi Moore in Los Angeles
Rumer said she and her family watched her sister navigate the challenges for years prior to her diagnosis; pictured September 2015 alongside stepmother Emma Heming and father Bruce Willis in New York City
Rumer thanked her sister for teaching her that ‘being different isn’t something to overcome’ and rather ‘it’s something to treasure’; pictured September 2019 in Los Angeles
‘This isn’t work for her,’ she continued. ‘It’s a deep calling to show up and be of service, and she’s already making an impact that will resonate far beyond tonight.’
Rumer thanked her sister for teaching her that ‘being different isn’t something to overcome’ and rather ‘it’s something to treasure.’
She said watching her younger sister grow up was ‘one of the greatest privileges’ of her life.
‘So here’s to you — your journey, your heart and all the brilliance still to come. I couldn’t be prouder to stand beside you tonight and cheer you on,’ she concluded.
