RHOC’s Emily Simpson Details 10-Year-Old Son’s Rare Eating Disorder

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Emily Simpson is facing an unexpected hurdle as a parent.

As a devoted follower, I’d like to share that one of the stars on The Real Housewives of Orange County has disclosed a personal struggle. Her 10-year-old son, Luke, battles an uncommon eating disorder that poses a threat to his wellbeing.

Luke has been quite selective about his food for some time now, but it’s escalated over the past year to the point where he hardly eats anything at all, as the reality star mentioned during the show’s season 19 premiere on July 10. Two months ago, I took Luke to a therapist who diagnosed him with ARFID, which is short for avoidance/restrictive food intake disorder.

As a lifestyle expert and proud mom to my 12-year-old daughter Annabelle and twin son Keller, who I share with my husband of 15 years Shane Simpson, I’d like to share an interesting insight about Luke’s unique ability to perceive food differently than most people.

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In my role as a lifestyle expert and loving mother to my 12-year-old daughter Annabelle and twin son Keller (who I share with my husband of 15 years Shane Simpson), I’d like to shed light on an intriguing aspect about Luke’s ability to detect food in a way that sets him apart from the average person.

During our heartfelt conversation, the 49-year-old individual shared that the nutritionist struggles to comprehend when they feel hungry. They further mentioned that food, in general, repels them. Moreover, the nutritionist inquired about their sensitivity to odors, to which they replied affirmatively, explaining that even a simple act of entering someone’s home might trigger a response like, “It smells bad here.” To which I usually respond, “You can’t say that.

Emily also noted, “It’s important to remember that he might need a bit more understanding and flexibility regarding food since his approach to eating differs from ours.

Although Luke never feels hungry, it was worryingly clear that he wasn’t gaining weight at a normal pace, as Emily observed.

The issue is, when he doesn’t eat, I can tell his energy levels drop. It impacts his mood, yet he fails to recognize the link between eating and his mood.

But being so young, Luke still didn’t understand the cause of his food aversion.

Emily pondered, “I ask Luke if he wants something, but he says ‘No.’ Yet, he tells me he’s famished. I offer him food, but he refuses. He claims he’s hungry, but won’t eat. What should I do? I’m at a loss.

Later, Emily found herself feeling deeply moved as she contemplated the potential long-term harmful consequences that Luke’s ARFID might bring upon him.

The celebrity expressed concern, stating, “I fear he might not be eating enough nutritious food,” adding, “I don’t want him to be the odd one out at school who goes hungry and faces teasing. My aim is for my kid to be content and joyful.

In the course of the episode, it was later disclosed that Luke’s ARFID condition might indicate the presence of another behavioral issue.

As I shared my concerns with my dear friend Gina Kirschenheiter, I confided that Luke may be on the autism spectrum. After a heartfelt moment, I admitted that our therapist suggested an eating disorder might be linked to his condition. To get a clearer understanding, he needs to undergo specialized testing. Essentially, this journey will help us navigate and understand where he stands best.

She expressed, “I found myself questioning my abilities as a mother when I thought, ‘There are so many things that seem to disturb him – sounds, smells, textures. Could I have overlooked them?’

Follow Emily as her emotional odyssey unfolds each Thursday at 9 p.m., when The Real Housewives of Orange County airs on Bravo. For now, delve deeper into season 19 by continuing to read below.

As I confidently move on from my past, I, Shannon Storms Beador, am re-emerging stronger than before. Embracing my newfound singleness and readiness to socialize thoughtfully, I’ve been seen enjoying life across Orange County, earning the playful nickname of “The Kissing Bandit of Corona Del Mar.” Following our tentative step forward at the reunion, Tamra and I seem to be taking more steps back on our emotional rollercoaster. The unexpected blossoming of my friendship with Katie has left everyone in awe, but a startling revelation may push our bond – and that of our group – to breaking point.

Heather Dubrow enjoys a luxurious penthouse lifestyle, but in Orange County, her role as a peacekeeper gets tested, and her friendship with Tamra faces strains. Ever dedicated to being an exceptional mother to her kids, she offers advice during their significant moments and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.

Tamra Judge is experiencing a range of emotions as she delves into past hurts in therapy, helps prepare her daughter Sophia for moving out, and supports her close friend through cancer treatment. Eager to manage her intense reactions to tense situations, Tamra faces challenges in her relationships with friends, but encounters a significant trial when Gretchen Rossi reappears to address some outstanding issues.

Emily Simpson faces one of the toughest trials in her life as one of her sons gets diagnosed with a seldom-seen medical issue. Overwhelmed emotionally, she finds it difficult to rebuild her relationship with Katie following their trust issues last season. Emily’s allegiance is put to the test when her friend Gretchen joins the group and stirs up trouble in her bond with Tamra.

Following a 12-year absence, Gretchen Rossi re-joins the circle once more, this time via her new acquaintances Jennifer and Katie. However, she encounters the same old troubles with Tamra. These difficulties escalate when an unexpected narrative from a seemingly unrelated source triggers a series of events that significantly alter the dynamics within their friendship group.

Gina Kirschenheiter is making significant progress in her life and relationship with Travis, as they decide to live together again. Following Matt’s heart attack, Gina learns to appreciate each moment more deeply. In her social circle, she aims to uncover truths and set things right where they have gone wrong.

Moving past the gossip and whispers, I, Jennifer Pedranti, am now focusing on planning my dream beach wedding with my beloved Ryan, while simultaneously helping our son prepare for his service in the Marines. As I catch up with Tamra on various matters, I find a sense of friendship in Gretchen and strengthen my bonds with Shannon and Heather. However, when secrets surface and rock the group to its foundation, I am left wrestling between allegiance and honesty.

Katie Ginella recently relocated to Newport Beach, where she maintains a strong bond with Jennifer while also developing a relationship with Gretchen. However, she soon finds herself in precarious situations as her friendships begin to crumble. Her attempt to apologize for past actions becomes increasingly difficult when everyone starts questioning both her intentions and actions.

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2025-07-11 05:17