Rumer Willis Says Sister Tallulah’s Autism Diagnosis Was a ‘Homecoming’: ‘It Gave Her Permission to Be Exactly Who She Is’

Rumer Willis is endlessly proud of her sister Tallulah Willis.

The Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood actress, 36, spoke at the Autism Speaks Los Angeles Gala on Thursday, Oct. 24, about Tallulah’s autism diagnosis. In her speech, Rumer praised Tallulah’s confidence and self-discovery.

She introduced her “extraordinary sister” Tallulah, 30, who was honored that evening for her “commitment to promoting acceptance and raising awareness about autism exemplifies the mission of Autism Speaks and reflects her deep passion for the cause,” according to a press release shared with PEOPLE.

“From the very start, she stood out — not just for her creativity, which was wild and boundless, but for the way she seemed to exist on a slightly different frequency from the rest of us,” Rumer began her speech. “While other kids were coloring inside the lines, she was busy inventing her own worlds. And honestly, most of us were lucky just to keep up.”

Rumer noted that alongside Tallulah’s brilliance is also a “sensitivity.”

She explained, “A way of experiencing the world that was both beautiful and, at times, overwhelming. Things most people never think about — textures, noises, crowded rooms — could feel like insurmountable hurdles.”

The actress watched her younger sister navigate the challenges for years, working with therapists in search of a solution. “It was like she had all the ingredients for peace but was stuck trying to make a recipe without the instructions,” Rumer recalled.

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“When she finally received her autism diagnosis, it wasn’t a revelation so much as a homecoming,” Rumer said of Tallulah’s diagnosis in the summer of 2023.

“It gave her permission to be exactly who she is, without apology or explanation,” Rumer continued. “Since then, I’ve seen her grow into herself with a grace and confidence that are breathtaking. It’s like watching someone finally exhale after holding their breath for years.”

Rumer added: “She’s found comfort in her skin, not by changing who she is, but by embracing it fully — quirks, sensitivities and all.”

Rumer called Tallulah remarkable for turning her journey “outward” by helping others. “Tallulah has placed her energy into “building a community where others — especially women, who are often overlooked — can find understanding and belonging,” she added. “This isn’t work for her; it’s a deep calling to show up and be of service, and she’s already making an impact that will resonate far beyond tonight.”

The House Bunny actress concluded her heartfelt speech, thanking her sister for teaching her that “being different isn’t something to overcome — it’s something to treasure.” She described watching Tallulah grow up as “one of the greatest privileges” of her life.

“So here’s to you — your journey, your heart and all the brilliance still to come. I couldn’t be prouder to stand beside you tonight and cheer you on,” Rumer finished.

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Tallulah spoke to PEOPLE about her autism diagnosis in August, calling it a “superpower.”

“I know that being someone who is on the higher functioning side of the spectrum, it is my own journey,” she said at the time.

“I feel very fortunate,” she added. “And with that comes my responsibility and my desire to continue to create awareness and advocacy, particularly on females getting late-in-life diagnoses.”

She also said receiving her diagnosis gave her “a level of validation and kind of a sense of these things are not just in my head or more than anything is I’m not too much.”