At 30, Tallulah Willis is navigating her life with a recent autism diagnosis, while simultaneously working to raise awareness about autism, particularly in women.
The Daily Mail reported that the youngest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore has faced several mental health challenges, including an eating disorder, borderline personality disorder, and ADHD.
Diagnosed with autism a year ago, Tallulah Willis has had a long history of heightened sensory sensitivity, which she noted as being uncommon compared to others.
Her goal is to promote better understanding and awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially among women who are frequently misdiagnosed.
The Center for Mental Wellness highlights that around 80% of females remain undiagnosed by the age of 18.
Researchers point out that women's autism symptoms are often more subtle and cleverly concealed, which leads to later diagnoses. Tallulah will be honored by Autism Speaks at their Los Angeles Gala in late October, recognized for her efforts in creating awareness.
Previous honorees of Autism Speaks include numerous notable figures such as Dave Grohl, J.K. Simmons, Sarah McLachlan, Alyssa Milano, Jeannie Mai, Kristin Chenoweth, and Naomi Campbell. Board member Georgianna Junco-Kelman has emphasized the importance of advocates like Tallulah in bringing critical issues for the autistic community to the forefront.
In March 2024, Tallulah went public with her autism diagnosis for the first time, sharing a throwback video from 2004 on Instagram that hinted at autistic traits she exhibited as a child. She has a history of stimming, a repetitive behavior often linked with autism.
The Cleveland Clinic describes stimming as repetitive movements or sounds that help individuals regulate their emotions.
The condition, often related to autism, provided Tallulah with an understanding of her previous behaviors. She remarked, "Actually, this is the first time I've ever publicly shared my diagnosis. Found out this summer and it's changed my life."
Beyond autism, Tallulah has struggled with body dysmorphia, an eating disorder, and ADHD. At age 25, she entered a residential treatment facility in Malibu to manage her eating disorder and depression. Diagnosed with ADHD there, she started on stimulant medication, which she found transformative.
Her weight plummeted to 84 pounds by spring 2022, leading to severe health issues. Her battle with anorexia nervosa has been a particularly tough journey. Tallulah acknowledged that her sense of self became distorted, causing her to cling to the last vice she had after getting sober at 20.
Tallulah’s struggle with dropping pounds quickly led to physical and emotional complications. She shared how the rapid weight loss brought a sense of "unhealthy deliciousness," ultimately leading to friends and family becoming terrified.
Despite their concerns, Tallulah rationalized her condition by defending the benefits of ADHD medication to her focus.
An eating disorders therapist would later explain to her the twisted notion that "the smaller you are, the bigger you feel."
During this period, she was continually cold and had to call mobile IV teams to her house. She avoided even walking in her neighborhood out of fear of not finding a place to sit down and catch her breath.
The support from her stepmother Emma Heming, Demi Moore, and the Willis family has been crucial. In March 2022, the family revealed Bruce Willis's diagnosis of aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities, leading to his retirement from acting. They expressed their gratitude for continued love and support during this challenging time.
Tallulah’s journey of self-discovery and advocacy is both personal and public. Through her autism diagnosis and subsequent awareness work, she is shining a light on an often misunderstood condition, particularly among women. Her recognition by Autism Speaks underscores the significant contributions she has made.
As she continues to navigate her diagnosis, Tallulah Willis is not only advocating for better understanding of autism but is also using her platform to drive change and support for others facing similar challenges. Her story is a testament to the resilience and importance of raising awareness about hidden disabilities.
