Emily Simpson is opening up about her son’s eating disorder for the very first time.
During the Thursday, July 10, episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County, Emily, 49, revealed that her 10-year-old son, Luke, was recently diagnosed with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
“Luke has always been a picky eater, but it’s gotten to the point over the last year where he just doesn’t eat at all,” Emily shared in a confessional interview while holding back tears. “He doesn’t eat anything but he’s starving. I’m worried that he’s not getting the nutrition that he needs. I’m worried that he’s the weird kid at school that doesn’t eat, and everybody’s going to make fun of him. I want my child to be happy. That’s it.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, ARFID is more common in children and young adolescents. Treatment plans can include seeking care from a clinician, a psychotherapist and a dietitian who can all help a patient establish strategies for healthy eating patterns while addressing the root issue or issues (if any) that can contribute to the disorder.
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“The nutritionist explained to me that he doesn’t understand that he feels hungry,” Emily explained to her husband Shane Simpson. “Food in general disgusts him. …. We have to be more accommodating and lenient when it comes to him because he doesn’t process eating like we do.”
Later on in the episode, Emily — who is also mom to daughter Annabelle, 12, and son Keller, 10 — opened up about her son’s health with costar and close friend Gina Kirschenheiter.
According to the Legally Brunette podcast host, Luke may have autism and claimed that the eating disorder is very common among those who live with the neurodevelopmental disorder.
“He has to go to a specialist and do intense testing,” she explained. “Basically what we learn from that is where he lies. I just felt like the worst mom because there’s all these things. Sound bothers him, smells bother him, textures bother him. Did I just ignore them?”
Gina — whose daughter Sienna was previously diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder — said she also felt guilty when she learned of her child’s struggles.
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At the same time, she expressed full confidence that Emily will be able to get through this uncertain time.
“My heart just breaks for my friend because I know that she’s the most incredible mom,” Gina said in her confessional interview. “But I know she feels guilty, and it’s hard to watch a friend struggle.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. Stream old episodes anytime on Peacock.
