BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

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

“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.”
save article
profile picture of Nehal Aggarwal
By Nehal Aggarwal, Editor
Published March 6, 2022
amy schumer on set of life & beth in new york city
Image: Bobby Bank/Getty Images

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.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

baby looking at mom talking
When Do Babies Understand No?
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
13 Children’s Books That Celebrate Juneteenth
13 Children’s Books That Celebrate Juneteenth
By Nehal Aggarwal
two toddlers in the bath together sharing toys
How to Teach Toddlers to Share
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
2 toddlers playing in sand at playground
What Is Parallel Play—and Why Is It Important for Kids?
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
mom showing baby a toy
How and When Do Babies Develop Object Permanence?
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
asian father reading book with daughter on couch at home
25 Kids Books Under $20 That Celebrate AAPI Culture
By Wyndi Kappes
sleeping newborn baby
Routine Hearing Test Could Detect Autism in Newborns, Study Says
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
toys that have been inducted into the toy hall of fame
These Three Toys Were Just Inducted Into the National Toy Hall of Fame
By Stephanie Grassullo
sesame place entrance sign
Why the Incidents at Sesame Place Are So Problematic
By Jen Hayes Lee
mother and baby sitting at desk working at home during covid pandemic
Baby's Social Development Hasn't Been Affected by COVID, New Study Says
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
happy mom lifting up baby and singing to her
6 Smart Ways to Stimulate Baby's Mind
By Paula Kashtan
colin kaepernick interacting with fans during spring football game in michigan
Colin Kaepernick’s New Kids’ Book Teaches It’s Normal to Be Different
By Nehal Aggarwal
mother kissing autistic son on forehead while teaching school at home
We Don’t Need Autism Awareness—We Need Autism Acceptance, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
father holding baby at home
Babies Can Understand Visual Observations at 4 Months Old, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
toddler kissing mother while reading books in bed at home
This One Thing Helps Babies Identify Close Family Relationships, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
Introducing Ji-Young, Sesame Street's First Asian-American Muppet
Introducing Ji-Young, Sesame Street's First Asian-American Muppet
By Nehal Aggarwal
5 Things This Mom Wants You to Know About Having a Child With Dwarfism
5 Things This Mom Wants You to Know About Having a Child With Dwarfism
By Melissa Horvath
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of Disney Princess from underrepresented countries.
Check Out These Reimagined Disney Princesses From Underrepresented Countries
By Nehal Aggarwal
Scene from Disney Land with colorful balloons.
Check Out Disney’s New Rainbow Collection in Honor of Pride Month
By Nehal Aggarwal
Grandfather sitting with his two grand daughters and reading a book.
16 Books That Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Culture
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.