The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Emily Simpson wants to make it clear that she loves her kids just as they are.
“Just to clarify: Luke can read, he’s just not reading at his grade level, and he’s struggling with word comprehension etc,” Simpson, 49, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, October 2. “He was also recently diagnosed as dyslexic. I was not aware that he was struggling and behind. He is now attending a new school, and he’s loving it.”
During season 19 of Bravo’s reality show, Simpson has opened up about her 10-year-old son’s health battles, including a diagnosis of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
According to the Mayo Clinic, ARFID is an eating disorder more common in children and young adolescents. Extreme picky eating and a general lack of interest in eating that progressively worsens over time are common symptoms.
RHOC’s Emily Simpson: I’d Film With Alexis Bellino Over Katie Ginella
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.
In Thursday’s episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County, Simpson — who is also mom to daughter Annabelle, 12, and son Keller, 10 — said a specialist has been able to provide more tools and guidance for Luke.
“Luke’s diagnosis was very complicated. He has anxiety and ADHD and OCD and he has a learning disability and he has dyslexia and he needs all these things,” she said in a confessional interview. “He’s highly intelligent in certain areas, but he’s in the 4th grade and I didn’t know he could read? I mean, how sad is that?”
As Simpson continues to learn more about her son’s diagnosis, she asked viewers and social media followers to “be kind” as she aims to build a community of supportive parents.
“Just remember l am learning and dealing with all of these issues in real time while filming ❤️,” she wrote via Instagram.
After speaking out online, Simpson received support from many in the Bravo family.
“You are a great mom Emily. He is darling🩵🩵🩵,” The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Angie Katsanevas wrote in the comments section. The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Jennifer Pedranti added, “He is so stinking CUTE! ❤️❤️.”
Simpson’s BFF Gina Kirschenheiter simply wrote, “I love you ❤️.”
Ever since sharing her son’s story on the July 10 episode of Bravo’s reality show, Simpson said she has had countless moms reach out with support and resources.
Former ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ Stars: Where Are They Now?
While ARFID has some symptoms that overlap with autism, the host of iHeartRadio’s “Legally Brunette” podcast said in Thursday’s episode that she still isn’t clear if Luke has the disorder.
“I still didn’t really understand after we went to the specialist whether Luke was autistic or not,” Simpson told her husband, Shane. “She said basically maybe he is but that’s not the issue. The learning disability is what is so detrimental right now.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs on Bravo Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET. Stream past episodes anytime on Peacock.