Amy Schumer got candid about her usually-private relationship with husband Chris Fischer in her new Netflix special “Growing,” which dropped Tuesday.
The 37-year-old comedian and her chef beau married within months of meeting one another and are currently expecting their first child.
“I knew from the beginning that my husband’s brain was a little different than mine,” Schumer said during the hour-long special. “My husband was diagnosed with what used to be called Asperger’s. He has autism spectrum disorder. He’s on the spectrum.”
(Autism spectrum disorder is adevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s communication and behavior, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The “spectrum” portion of the diagnosis comes into play because there is significant variation in type and severity of symptoms different people experience. )
Schumer went on to reveal that there were signs early on in their relationship, but she wasn’t bothered.
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“And once he was diagnosed, it dawnedon me how funny it was, because all of the characteristics that make it clear that he’s on the spectrum are all of the reasons that I fell madly in love with him,” she said. “That’s the truth.”
“He says whatever is on his mind. He keeps it so real. He doesn’t care about social norms or what you expect him to say or do.”
The comedian recalls Fischer’s response to a fall she had which, in retrospect, should’ve been a tipoff:
“Nine out of 10 people would go, ‘Oh my god, are you OK?'” Schumer said, explaining the incident. “Maybe more like 10 out of 10 people. Instead, my husband […] kind of froze and became a lighthouse, opening and closing his mouth.”
Best of all, Schumer says her husband’s extreme honesty and utter lack of affectation makes him a “dream man.”
“If I say to him, ‘Does this look like shit?’ He’ll go, ‘Yeah, you have a lot of other clothes. Why don’t you wear those?'” says the comedian. “But he can also make me feel more beautiful than anyone ever has in my whole life. And he can’t lie! Isn’t that the dream man?”
Schumer’s haters have taken to Twitter to attack her for her comments about her husband. These tweets by writer and editor Yashar Ali—and the many replies supporting his point—prove that, if anything, Schumer’s candid special has offered more hope than criticism to those with Autism spectrum disorders.
Why are people being so nasty about Amy Schumer revealing her husband is on the Autism Spectrum? I know this is Twitter but I’m horrified that her honest discussion about her husband has been met with mean comments.
— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) March 19, 2019
2. I know part of the reason is because bros hate Amy Schumer and don't think she's funny but imagine targeting someone's husband because you don't like his wife's comedy. Imagine being that terrible.
— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) March 19, 2019
Who said Amy Schumer was looking for sympathy? She's sharing (with her husband's permission) that he is on the autism spectrum. It's a wonderful, inspiring thing that helps to spread awareness and kindness.
So you're punishing people because you don't like her? https://t.co/LdAUmYIPSI
— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) March 19, 2019
Her post gave me hope. My high-functioning autistic son is attempting dating. He yearns for a girlfriend. It gave me hope.
— Caroline Williams (@WilliCaroline) March 19, 2019
My adult son and daughter are on the spectrum and I pray that one day they will fall in love with someone who accepts them and loves them the way they deserve and understand, someone just like @amyschumer.
— NBAFanGirl (@benandbellablu) March 19, 2019
Amy Schumer disclosing this gives millions of us hope for our own loved ones, that they could someday find love and partners.
— Mme Curie (@MmeScience) March 19, 2019
I crave stories of adults on the spectrum because I can’t picture what my son’s future looks like.
I’ll tell you one thing, though, hearing all those stories makes me so excited for my beautiful child!— jana babb (@JanaGailWootton) March 19, 2019
Not a huge Amy Schumer comedy fan. But, to those of us that are parents of children on the spectrum hearing about adults on the spectrum finding love is a wonderful thing to hear. Can’t even explain how comforting it is to hear these things. This is what we worry about everyday.
— Michael Huckins (@MichaelEHuck) March 19, 2019
I’m seeing people talking about how Chris should have been the one to talk about his ASD. I’m thinking Chris and Amy talked about her talking about it on stage. pic.twitter.com/Nd1CAGytyO
— Lady Tater of House Stark (@taterstark) March 19, 2019
Schumer herself took to Instagram to share how grateful she is to Fischer for his openness.
“But thank you to my husband, Chris, who has kept me going during this pregnancy. His willingness and desire to be open with the world about himself and our marriage is courageous and beautiful,” Schumer wrote. He makes me laugh more than anyone and he laughs at me more than anyone. I am more than grateful to have found such an amazing partner and best friend. I’m shocked. I didn’t think this love was out there for me. But it was and it is, and I can’t wait to spend my life with you and our growing family.”
Schumer and Fischer’s first child is due this spring.