Rumer Willis recently opened up about his younger sister Tallulah Willis’ autism diagnosis.
At the Autism Speaks Los Angeles gala on Thursday, he introduced his “sensitive” and “extraordinary sister,” who was honored that night, 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, was diagnosed with autism as an adult at the age of 29 in the summer of 2023.
He said the diagnosis gave him “permission to be exactly who he is” and gushed about Tallulah’s self-discovery, comparing the experience to “watching someone finally exhale after holding their breath for years,” according to People.
The 36-year-old actress, who confirmed her split from dad Derek Richard Thomas two months earlier, said her sister always “stood out.”
Rumer Willis, 36, opened up about his younger sister Tallulah Willis’, 30, autism diagnosis at the Autism Speaks Los Angeles Gala on Thursday.
“From the beginning, she stood out, not only for her creativity, which was wild and limitless, but for the way she seemed to exist on a slightly different frequency than the rest of us,” he began.
“While other children were coloring within the lines, she was busy inventing her own worlds,” Rumer continued. And honestly, most of us were lucky to keep up. ‘
He said his sister’s brilliance also comes across as a “sensitivity.”
“A way of experiencing the world that was both beautiful and sometimes overwhelming,” he explained.
“(There are) things that most people never think about (textures, noises, crowded rooms) that might seem like insurmountable obstacles,” she said of Tallulah’s experience.
She also said she watched her sister deal with challenges for years before her diagnosis.
“It was like I had all the ingredients for peace but I was stuck trying to make a recipe without the instructions,” she shared.
“When he finally received his autism diagnosis, it wasn’t so much a revelation as a coming home,” he explained.
The actress said it was like a ‘homecoming’ when Tallulah was 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,” according to People.
The star also said that her ‘sensitive’ sister always ‘stood out’; the two seen in an Instagram snapshot
“It gave him permission to be exactly who he is, without apology or explanation,” she said.
Rumer said watching Tallulah “grow into herself” has been “awesome.”
‘Since then, I have watched her grow with a grace and confidence that is impressive. It’s like watching someone finally exhale after holding their breath for years.’
“She has found comfort in her skin, not by changing who she is, but by embracing it fully: quirks, sensitivities and all,” she continued.
He celebrated Tallulah for putting her own experience out there to help others.
She said: ‘Tallulah has put her energy into building a community where others, especially women, who are often overlooked, can find understanding and belonging.
‘Since then, I have watched her grow with a grace and confidence that is impressive. It’s like watching someone finally exhale after holding their breath for years; photographed in September alongside sister Scout and mother Demi Moore in Los Angeles.
Rumer said she and her family watched her sister deal with challenges for years before her diagnosis; Pictured in September 2015 with stepmother Emma Heming and father Bruce Willis in New York City.
Rumer thanked his sister for teaching him that ‘being different is not something to overcome’ but ‘it is something to treasure’; photographed in September 2019 in Los Angeles.
“This is not work for her,” he continued. “It’s a profound call to show up and serve, and she’s already making an impact that will resonate far beyond tonight.”
Rumer thanked his sister for teaching him that “being different is not something to be overcome” but “it is something to be treasured.”
He said watching his younger sister grow up was “one of the greatest privileges” of his life.
‘So here’s a toast to you: your journey, your heart, and all the brilliance that’s yet to come. “I couldn’t be more proud to be by your side tonight and cheer you on,” she concluded.