Amy Schumer Opens Up About Son’s Possible Future Autism Spectrum Diagnosis

Amy Schumer is opening up about the possibility of her son Gene being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a condition his dad Chris Fischer also has.

When asked about the possibility during an appearance on Chelsea Handler’s “Dear Chelsea” podcast, Schumer replied she “doesn’t have a preference” regarding the diagnosis. "I think the statistics are pretty strong toward he will most likely have autism,” she said. “Parents have different journeys with this. Having a child with severe autism is beyond my imagination difficult. But if Gene does wind up having ASD, I’m not looking for the signs in a way that is upsetting. I’m not hoping either way…Most of my favorite people are on the spectrum.”

According to the CDC, ASD can be reliably diagnosed by age 2, but most children don’t recieve a final diagnosis until they’re older. “He’s 2½ and I think they don’t diagnose children until, like, maybe 6 at the earliest. You know, you can see some signs but diagnosis doesn’t come until later,” Schumer said. “I can say honestly I don’t have a preference either way. You just want your kids to be healthy and happy.”

Schumer also added that having a child with autism shouldn’t be something to fear. “I don’t think it’s scary at all. 'Oh, I’m sorry, your child might be gifted.’ Not everybody’s like some incredible genius with autism but most people, like, they do have a real talent for something,” Schumer added. “ And they’re beautiful, loving, kind people, and good partners.”

Schumer has previously spoken up about her husband Chris Fischer’s autism diagnosis and called out what an amazing partner he’s been. In May 2021, Schumer posted to Instagram for Gene’s second birthday, and thanked her husband for being there for her. “I woke up emotional as hell thinking about my husband, Chris. In this first photo while I was having a 3 hour c section he held my hand and stared in my eyes so I never felt alone. I feel loved and supported always. He takes care of our family and is a husband and father beyond my wildest dreams,” she wrote. “Also he has autism spectrum disorder. Being tested and diagnosed has helped us communicate and support each other better.”

In the post, Schumer encouraged her followers to get tested so they can “function to the best of their abilities and remove any stigma that comes with autism.” She added that it’s statsically likely Gene will also have austism. “If he’s anything like his father that is wonderful news,” she wrote.

During her time on the podcast, Schumer also talked about her journey with IVF. She revealed the IVF was unsuccessful and, in September, she had to have her uterus removed due to her painful endemetriosis. Though the journey was a difficult one, Schumer is grateful for her husband and son. “We tried, but we’re just gonna have the one perfect little adorable angel,” she said.