Emily Simpson’s 10-year-old son,Luke,has recently been diagnosed wiht Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). According too Cleveland Clinic, ARFID is a condition that restricts food intake. Individuals with this disorder may lose interest in eating,experience anxiety about eating,and avoid foods based on their color,taste,texture,or smell.
Simpson, who has previously allowed Bravo to document her health and fitness journey, emphasized to Us that her son’s diagnosis has “nothing to do with me and weight loss or weight gain.”
As sharing her son’s story on bravo’s reality show on July 10th, Simpson has received numerous messages from mothers seeking support and resources. While she is still seeking answers, Simpson finds comfort in knowing she is not alone.
“We definitely know he has ARFID. ARFID has a lot of symptoms that overlap with autism,” she explained. “We took him to a specialist to get tested. He did a very extensive test that appeared later in the season.I still don’t really have a lot of clarity.”
Emily and her husband,Shane Simpson,are committed to being the best parents for their son. They also have a daughter, Annabelle, aged 12, and another son, Keller, aged 10.
Simpson recalled advice from a school consultant: “She said,’emily,you know,it’s not always good to just put a label on something.’ I want a label so I can tell people, ‘He is, this and that.’ At the end of the day, I don’t know if that’s the best.”
Following her disclosure, many of Simpson’s co-stars have put aside any television drama to offer their support. Gina Kirschenheiter wrote on Instagram, “I love you. I love your strength as a mom and woman. I am so proud to be your friend ❤️.” Heather Dubrow added, “You are a great mom Emily! We love you ❤️❤️9.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs on thursdays at 9:00 PM ET on Bravo.Past episodes are available for streaming on Peacock.
