Current:Home > FinanceTallulah Willis, Bruce Willis' daughter, shares she was diagnosed with autism last year -VitalEdge Finance Pro
Tallulah Willis, Bruce Willis' daughter, shares she was diagnosed with autism last year
View
Date:2025-04-26 09:35:21
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! (1734)
Related
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- NFL playoff picture Week 17: Chiefs extend AFC West streak, Rams grab wild-card spot
- Consulting firm McKinsey agrees to $78 million settlement with insurers over opioids
- 'Olive theory,' explained: The compatibility test based on 'How I Met Your Mother'
- 2024 Olympics: Gymnast Ana Barbosu Taking Social Media Break After Scoring Controversy
- A man is arrested in Arkansas in connection with the death of a co-worker in Maine
- Dave Chappelle goes after disabled community in 'The Dreamer': 'I love punching down'
- Off-duty police officer is killed in North Carolina after witnessing a crime at a gas station
- Small twin
- Yes, Michigan's Jim Harbaugh can be odd and frustrating. But college football needs him.
Ranking
- Vance jokes he’s checking out his future VP plane while overlapping with Harris at Wisconsin airport
- Gaza family tries to protect newborn quadruplets amid destruction of war
- Tyler, dog who comforted kids amid pandemic, is retiring. Those are big paws to fill
- Bronny James scores career-high 15 points, including highlight-reel dunk, in USC loss
- Report: Lauri Markkanen signs 5-year, $238 million extension with Utah Jazz
- At the stroke of midnight, the New Year gives a clean slate for long-elusive resolutions
- 'Olive theory,' explained: The compatibility test based on 'How I Met Your Mother'
- Detroit Pistons beat Toronto Raptors to end 28-game losing streak
Recommendation
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
Bears clinch No. 1 pick in 2024 NFL draft thanks to trade with Panthers
Meet the New York woman bringing Iranian-inspired beer to the United States
Beyond Times Square: A giant Peep, a wrench, a crab. A look at the weirdest NYE drops.
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day?
The FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic year is arriving. Some big changes may impact your student's financial aid.
Nick Saban knew what these Alabama players needed most this year: His belief in them