The Real Housewives of Orange County season 19 premiered last week. The series, Bravo’s longest-standing housewives iteration, promises to bring plenty of drama, but Emily Simpson is hoping it will also bring awareness to her son’s rare eating disorder. Simpson recently opened up about seeking a diagnosis for her son, Luke, 10, and how that journey will play out during season 19 of the series.

Emily Simpson’s son has ARFID

Emily Simpson, star of The Real Housewives of Orange County, recently shared that her 10‑year‑old son, Luke, was diagnosed with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a rare eating disorder. The disorder, which is still largely mysterious, appears to stem from sensory sensitivities that make eating most foods painful or truly uncomfortable. Individuals with the condition generally only have a handful of food options they deem “safe.” Simpson said Luek has just a few foods that he considers safe to eat.

Simpson spoke with People recently about the diagnosis and how her family is navigating it. She admitted that the journey to get an official diagnosis for Luke was a difficult one. Fans will see the entire process play out, as Simpson was filming for the current season, as they navigated Luke’s ARFID diagnosis and the therapy that is designed to help him overcome his food aversions.

While Simpson is happy that she now knows her son isn’t just a “picky eater,” she admits to finding the process difficult. She even suggested that she and her husband, Shane, often disagreed over how to treat their child best. All of that will unfold as the season progresses. Simpson admits there were some tense moments, but claims things are better now, as Luke is less anxious and navigating food with a healthier attitude.

How many kids does Emily and Shane Simpson have?

Emily and Shane Simpson are parents to three children. All three children were born via surrogate. Their first child, Annabelle, was born in 2013. Their sons, twins Luke and Keller, were born in 2015. Simpson’s sister served as their surrogate.

Emily Simpson joined The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2018. She joined the cast ahead of the season 13 premiere. According to Page Six, the associate attorney agreed to audition for the series during a “mid-life crisis” moment. Shane Simpson, also an attorney, appears on he show, as well.