“RHOC”’s Emily Simpson Reveals Son Luke, 10, Was Diagnosed with Eating Disorder: ‘Every Day Is Challenging’ (Exclusive)

RHOC Star Emily Simpson Opens Up About Son’s Eating Disorder Diagnosis

Emily Simpson, known for her role on Real Housewives of Orange County, recently shared with PEOPLE exclusive details about her family’s challenging journey with her 10-year-old son Luke’s eating disorder diagnosis. Emily revealed that what she initially thought was Luke just being a picky eater escalated into a more severe issue when he began refusing to eat altogether. This led Emily to seek professional help for Luke, resulting in a diagnosis of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a mental health condition where individuals avoid or restrict food intake due to various sensitivities.

According to Emily, Luke’s condition is characterised by extreme aversion to textures, colours, and smells of food, leading him to eat only a limited range of items like white rice and other select foods. She described the situation as “beyond picky eating” and highlighted the daily challenges her family faces in managing Luke’s eating disorder. Emily expressed the difficulties of balancing Luke’s expression of hunger with his refusal to eat, creating emotional turmoil for both mother and son.

In the midst of filming season 19 of RHOC, Emily and her husband, Shane, found themselves grappling with Luke’s diagnosis and the impact it had on their family dynamics. The couple sought therapy to better understand and support Luke, as well as adapt their parenting approach to accommodate his specific needs. Emily emphasised the importance of cognitive behavioural therapy and nutritional support in treating ARFID, outlining the steps they are taking to help Luke overcome his challenges with food.

As Luke undergoes therapy and works with a nutritionist to expand his food choices, Emily remains transparent about their journey, acknowledging the fears and uncertainties about Luke’s interactions at school and within their community. Despite the struggles, she finds solace in the support from viewers and hopes that sharing their experience will resonate with other parents facing similar situations. Emily encourages proactive intervention and seeking professional help early on, reassuring parents that prioritising their child’s well-being is paramount.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Emily admits to grappling with self-doubt and regret over potential missed signs of Luke’s disorder. She advises parents to trust their instincts and seek assistance promptly if they notice any concerning behaviours in their children. Amidst the challenges, Emily underscores her commitment to prioritising her children’s welfare and striving to navigate the complexities of parenting to the best of her ability. As the new season of RHOC unfolds, viewers will witness the family’s journey and the resilience they demonstrate in adapting to Luke’s diagnosis.

The Real Housewives of Orange County season 19 premieres on Bravo, offering a glimpse into Emily’s experiences with Luke’s ARFID and the impact on their family life. For those struggling with eating disorders, resources like The Alliance for Eating Disorders provide helplines and support groups for additional assistance. As Emily and her family navigate this uncharted territory, they showcase resilience, compassion, and a dedication to overcoming obstacles together.