Emily Simpson, well-known from her role on “Real Housewives of Orange County,” has opened up about the troubling social media reactions she faced following the disclosure of her son Luke’s medical conditions. Last year, the 11-year-old was diagnosed with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). Speaking at the premiere of the show’s 20th season, Simpson shared that while the online response was sometimes harsh, she remains steadfast in her decision to speak publicly about her son’s struggles.
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The reality television star has experienced a mixture of public scrutiny and personal support since sharing her son’s challenges. “I would say on social media, I think people were kind of cruel about me sharing about Luke,” she revealed. However, her experience at BravoCon was markedly different, with attendees expressing genuine concern for her son and sharing their own stories about similar issues in their families. “That was my takeaway. I absolutely did the right thing by sharing about him,” Simpson affirmed.
Simpson’s latest comments come as she prepares for the upcoming season of “RHOC,” where she intends to provide insight into how her family’s dynamics have shifted since Luke’s diagnosis. “After last season, everything going on with my son — our roles in our family changed and shifted, and that plays out,” she explained. This adjustment has presented challenges for her and her husband, Shane, who has begun to take on a more involved role in parenting.
The pressures of parenting and maintaining a long-term relationship have not gone unnoticed by Simpson. She candidly mentioned that the stress of managing their children’s needs—particularly Luke’s—has tested their marriage. “Shane dedicated himself to being more at home and taking care of the kids, and taking on more of a role with the children, and that’s stressful,” she stated. Despite these tribulations, Simpson emphasised that their marriage is authentic and not merely a performance for the cameras.
In her prior discussions about Luke’s health, Simpson mentioned how what she initially perceived to be typical pickiness with food evolved into a significant issue, culminating in his ARFID diagnosis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, ARFID is characterised by extreme avoidance of certain foods due to various sensory factors or anxiety surrounding eating, unlike other eating disorders that may be influenced by body image concerns.
The emotional toll of navigating Luke’s health issues prompted Simpson and Shane to seek therapy, allowing them to learn new parenting strategies tailored specifically for Luke, distinct from those used with their other children. “It was overwhelming,” Simpson reflected on the diagnosis process, noting that it caused friction between her and her husband. However, their therapeutic journey has aided in creating a supportive environment for all their children, including Luke’s siblings Keller and Annabelle, and Shane’s two daughters from a previous marriage.
During the reunion special last November, Simpson revealed that Luke’s situation had further expanded with his PANDAS diagnosis. She described the drastic changes in his behaviour, illustrating how a once happy and gifted child suddenly regressed, exhibiting new challenges that prompted deep confusion for her. “He just regressed. He started talking like a baby. Acting out. And I was so confused,” she recounted.
Simpson elaborated on PANDAS, explaining that the condition—triggered by streptococcal infections—can lead to a host of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including tics and obsessive-compulsive behaviours. She expressed concern that a child’s immune response, after a strep infection, could negatively affect their brain, leading to distressing behavioural changes. Furthermore, she noted that there appears to be a heightened risk of PANDAS in children already on the autism spectrum.
To mitigate some of these symptoms, Luke is set to undergo medical treatments aimed at addressing the cognitive impacts of PANDAS, including laser treatments intended to reduce inflammation in his brain. Despite the public backlash she faced for sharing her son’s health journey, Simpson remains grateful for the support she has received from fellow parents and advocates on social media. “There were so many times I thought, am I doing the right thing by being so honest about what we’re going through?” she reflected. Her ultimate hope is that her candidness can assist other families facing similar difficulties.
As Emily Simpson navigates her family’s challenging circumstances, it remains clear that she is committed to raising awareness about ARFID and PANDAS while fostering a community of support for others in similar situations. Through her openness, Simpson encourages understanding and empathy, a sentiment that resonates beyond the confines of reality television.