Current:Home > MarketsTallulah Willis, Bruce Willis' daughter, shares she was diagnosed with autism last year -TradeBridge
Tallulah Willis, Bruce Willis' daughter, shares she was diagnosed with autism last year
Charles H. Sloan View
Date:2025-04-09 02:44:44
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! (92834)
Related
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- 10 homes have collapsed into the Carolina surf. Their destruction was decades in the making
- OpenAI looks to shift away from nonprofit roots and convert itself to for-profit company
- Hoda Kotb announces 'Today' show exit in emotional message: 'Time for me to turn the page'
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Sen. Raphael Warnock is working on children’s book inspired by the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000
- Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Attorney Says He’s “Very Eager” to Testify in Upcoming Trial
- Northern lights forecast: Aurora borealis may appear in multiple US states, NOAA says
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Evacuation order lifted for Ohio town where dangerous chemical leak occurred
Ranking
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Kendall Jenner Frees the Nipple During Night Out With Gigi Hadid for Rosalía’s Birthday Party
- Lady Gaga's Hair Transformation Will Break Your Poker Face
- Watch a toddler's pets get up close and snuggly during nap time
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Judge weighs whether to dismiss movie armorer’s conviction in fatal set shooting by Alec Baldwin
- How Halle Berry Ended Up Explaining Menopause to Mike Tyson
- Tech tips to turn yourself into a Google Workspace and Microsoft Office pro
Recommendation
Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
Egg prices again on the rise, with a dozen eggs over $3 in August: Is bird flu to blame?
Eric Roberts slams Julia Roberts in 'Steel Magnolias,' says he's not 'jealous': Reports
OpenAI looks to shift away from nonprofit roots and convert itself to for-profit company
Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
Why Julianne Hough Sees Herself With a Man After Saying She Was Not Straight
Simone Biles Wants Her Athleta Collection to Make Women Feel Confident & Powerful
Postpartum depression is more common than many people realize. Here's who it impacts.