Rumer Willis says sister Tallulah’s autism diagnosis ‘gave her permission to be exactly who she is’

Rumer Willis recently opened up about her younger sister Tallulah Willis’ autism diagnosis.

On Thursday, at the Autism Speaks Los Angeles Gala, 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, was 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 talked about Tallulah’s self-discovery, likening the experience to “seeing someone finally exhale after years of holding their breath,” she says. 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’.

“From the very beginning, she stood out – not just because of her creativity, which was wild and limitless, but also because of the way she seemed to exist on a slightly different frequency than the rest of us,” she began.

“While other kids were coloring within the lines, she was creating her own worlds,” Rumer continued. “And honestly, most of us were lucky to keep up. ‘

She said her sister’s brilliance is also a “sensitivity.”

“A way to experience the world that was both beautiful and sometimes overwhelming,” she explained.

‘[There are] “things that most people never think about – textures, sounds, busy rooms – can feel like insurmountable obstacles,” she said of Tallulah’s experience.

She also said she watched her sister deal with the challenges for years before her diagnosis.

“It was as if she had all the ingredients for peace, but was stuck making a recipe without the instructions,” she said.

“When she was finally diagnosed with autism, it wasn’t so much a revelation as it was a homecoming,” she explained.

The actress said it was like a “homecoming” when Tallulah was diagnosed with autism as an adult at age 29 in the summer of 2023; pictured in Los Angeles on Thursday

She said the diagnosis “gave her permission to be exactly who she is” and opened up about Tallulah’s self-discovery, likening the experience to “seeing someone finally exhale after years of holding their breath,” according to People

The star also said 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 it was “breathtaking” to watch Tallulah “grow into herself.”

“Since then, I have watched her grow into herself with a grace and confidence that takes my breath away. It’s like seeing someone finally exhale after holding their breath for years.”

“She has found comfort in her skin, not by changing who she is, but by fully embracing it – quirks, sensitivities and all,” she continued.

She praised Tallulah for directing her own experiences “outward” 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 into herself with a grace and confidence that takes my breath away. It’s like seeing someone finally exhale after holding their breath for years; pictured in September with sister Scout and mother Demi Moore in Los Angeles

Rumer said she and her family had watched her sister deal with the challenges for years before her diagnosis; pictured in September 2015 with stepmother Emma Heming and father Bruce Willis in New York City

Rumer thanked her sister for teaching her that “being different is not something to overcome” and rather “something to cherish”; pictured in September 2019 in Los Angeles

“This isn’t work for her,” she continued. “It is a deep calling to show up and serve, and she is already making an impact that will resonate well beyond tonight.”

Rumer thanked her sister for teaching her that “being different is not something to overcome” and rather “something to cherish.”

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 splendor that is yet to come. I couldn’t be prouder to stand next to you tonight and cheer you on,” she concluded.