Current:Home > MyTallulah Willis, Bruce Willis' daughter, shares she was diagnosed with autism last year -EverVision Finance
Tallulah Willis, Bruce Willis' daughter, shares she was diagnosed with autism last year
View
Date:2025-04-18 18:01:04
Bruce Willis' daughter Tallulah has shared that she received a life-changing autism diagnosis as an adult.
Willis, 30, on Friday posted a throwback video on Instagram that showed her touching her father's head and playing with his ear as he held her at an event when she was a child. "Tell me your autistic without telling me your autistic," she wrote, adding a crying laughing emoji.
In the comments of the post, one follower asked Willis for more information, and she shared that she was only diagnosed as autistic last year. "Actually this is the first time I've ever publicly shared my diagnosis," she wrote. "Found out this summer and it's changed my life."
According to the National Institutes of Health, diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults is often more difficult than in kids because certain symptoms can overlap with those of anxiety, ADHD and other disorders.
"Receiving a correct diagnosis of ASD as an adult can help a person understand past challenges, identify personal strengths, and find the right kind of help," the NIH says. "Studies are underway to determine the types of services and supports that are most helpful for improving the functioning and community integration of autistic transition-age youth and adults."
Adults who notice signs of ASD can receive an evaluation, in which an expert may ask about social interaction and communication challenges, sensory issues, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests, per the NIH.
Tallulah Willis'resented' looking like dad Bruce: How she copes with body dysmorphic disorder
Willis was responding to a comment from a user who identified themselves as a psychologist and wrote, "We catch undiagnosed ASD in girls and women quite often (they have unique presentations and often turn to other ways of coping to manage the dysregulation)." The follower added, "Not sure how much of your journey you’ve shared but would love to read more. You’re brave and inspiring and this is a very sweet video. All the best!"
Tallulah Willis is the youngest of three daughters whom Bruce Willis shares with ex-wife Demi Moore. He also has two children with his current wife, Emma Heming Willis.
The "Die Hard" star retired from acting after he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. In an essay for Vogue magazine published last year, Tallulah Willis reflected that she had "known that something was wrong for a long time" even before her father was diagnosed.
Tallulah Willison coping with dad Bruce Willis' dementia: 'Something was wrong for a long time'
In that essay, Willis said that she was diagnosed with ADHD after being admitted to a residential treatment facility to address her depression and later received a new diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. She also opened up about her four-year battle with anorexia nervosa.
"I admit that I have met Bruce's decline in recent years with a share of avoidance and denial that I’m not proud of," she wrote. "The truth is that I was too sick myself to handle it. … While I was wrapped up in my body dysmorphia, flaunting it on Instagram, my dad was quietly struggling."
If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or eating concerns, the National Eating Disorders Association's toll-free and confidential helpline is available by phone or text at 1-800-931-2237 or by click-to-chat message at nationaleatingdisorders.org/helpline. For 24/7 crisis situations, text "NEDA" to 741-741.
Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
veryGood! (26)
Related
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- A mark of respect: Flags to be flown at half-staff Saturday to honor Rosalynn Carter, Biden says
- Ex-police chief disputes allegation from Colts owner Jim Irsay, says he reviewed arrest in question
- Diddy's former Bad Boy president sued for sexual assault; company says it's 'investigating'
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Buffalo Sabres rookie Zach Benson scores first goal on highlight-reel, between-the-legs shot
- WHO asks China for more information about rise in illnesses and pneumonia clusters
- Local newspaper started by Ralph Nader saved from closure by national media company
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Apple announces iPhones will support RCS, easing messaging with Android
Ranking
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Brazilian police bust international drug mule ring in Sao Paulo
- Sunak is under pressure to act as the UK’s net migration figures for 2022 hit a record high
- Humanitarians want more aid for Gaza, access to hostages under Israel-Hamas truce. And more time
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams accused of 1993 sexual assault in legal filing
- Cal forward Fardaws Aimaq allegedly called a 'terrorist' by fan before confrontation
- Israel-Hamas truce deal for hostage release hits last-minute snag, now expected to start Friday
Recommendation
US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
Inmate dies after being attacked by other prisoners at California max-security lockup, officials say
Longer droughts in Zimbabwe take a toll on wildlife and cause more frequent clashes with people
Jennifer Lawrence Brushes Off Her Wardrobe Malfunction Like a Pro
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
A former Canadian RCMP intelligence official is found guilty of breaching secrets law
Geno Smith injury updates: Seahawks optimistic on QB's chances to play vs. 49ers
Interscope Records co-founder Jimmy Iovine faces lawsuit over alleged sexual abuse