RHOC’s Emily Simpson Clarifies Her 10-Year-Old Son ‘Can Read’ Despite His Disability
The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Emily Simpson wants to emphasize her unconditional love for her children as they are.
“To clarify: Luke can read, but he’s not at his grade level and struggles with comprehension,” Simpson, 49, posted on Instagram on Thursday, October 2. “He was recently diagnosed with dyslexia, and I was unaware of his struggles. He’s now at a new school and really enjoying it.”
Throughout season 19 of Bravo’s reality series, Simpson has shared insights about her 10-year-old son’s health challenges, including a diagnosis of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
As per the Mayo Clinic, ARFID is more prevalent among children and young teenagers. Symptoms often include extreme picky eating and a growing disinterest in food.
Treatment options may involve collaborating with clinicians, psychotherapists, and dietitians to help patients develop healthy eating habits while addressing underlying issues.
In Thursday’s episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County, Simpson — mom to Annabelle, 12, and Keller, 10 — shared that a specialist has provided valuable guidance for Luke.
“Luke’s diagnosis is complex. He has anxiety, ADHD, OCD, as well as a learning disability and dyslexia. He requires support for all of these,” she mentioned in a confessional interview. “He’s highly intelligent in some areas, but he’s in fourth grade and I didn’t know he could read? How heartbreaking is that?”
As Simpson learns more about her son’s diagnosis, she encouraged viewers and followers to “be kind” while she navigates this journey with supportive parents.
“Just remember, I’m learning to handle these issues in real time while filming ❤️,” she wrote on Instagram.
After her online remarks, Simpson received encouragement from many in the Bravo community.
“You’re a fantastic mom, Emily. He’s adorable 🩵🩵🩵,” commented The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Angie Katsanevas. The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Jennifer Pedranti added, “He’s just so cute! ❤️❤️.”
Simpson’s close friend Gina Kirschenheiter simply said, “I love you ❤️.”
Since sharing her son’s journey in the July 10 episode of Bravo’s reality show, Simpson mentioned that numerous mothers have reached out with support and resources.
While ARFID shares some symptoms with autism, the host of iHeartRadio’s “Legally Brunette” podcast stated in Thursday’s episode that she remains uncertain if Luke has the disorder.
“I still wasn’t clear after our visit to the specialist whether Luke is autistic or not,” Simpson told her husband, Shane. “She mentioned that he might be, but that’s not the main issue. His learning disability is what needs immediate attention.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs on Bravo Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET and past episodes are available to stream on Peacock.
