Emily Simpson is opening her heart to fans as she navigates her son’s recent learning challenges.
In the latest episode of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” which aired Oct. 2, Simpson revealed that her 10-year-old son, Luke, had been diagnosed with dyslexia.
Emily Simpson Opens Up About Her Son’s Dyslexia Diagnosis
In the candid scene, the reality star shared the news with raw honesty, expressing her self-doubt and concern as a parent.
“Like, are these things I should have noticed before?” she asked. “Were there all these red flags? Did I bring him [to the doctor] too late? He’s highly intelligent in certain areas, but he’s in the fourth grade, and I didn’t know he couldn’t read? I mean, how sad is that?”
Luke’s diagnosis came alongside other challenges, including avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Despite the hurdles, Simpson’s openness struck a chord with viewers, many of whom praised her vulnerability and her dedication as a mother.
‘RHOC’ Star Emily Offers a Positive Update on Luke’s Progress
The day after the episode aired, Simpson took to Instagram to clarify her comments and share an encouraging update. She posted a video of Luke working on his own comic book, showing fans how creative and resilient he is.
“Just to clarify: Luke can read, he’s just not reading at his grade level and he’s struggling with word comprehension etc,” she wrote in the caption. “He was also recently diagnosed as dyslexic. I was not aware that he was struggling and behind.”
Simpson went on to share that Luke has since transferred to a new school and is thriving. “He’s loving it,” she added. “Please be kind. Just remember I am learning and dealing with all of these issues in real time while filming!”
Fans filled the comments with words of encouragement, including “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Angie Katsanevas who wrote, “You are a great mom Emily. He is darling.”
Emily Simpson’s Family Journey on Season 19 of ‘RHOC’
Throughout Season 19, viewers have also seen how Luke’s health and learning journey have tested Simpson’s marriage to husband Shane. The couple admitted to having different parenting styles when it comes to supporting their son.
“I think my approach is a little bit more try to make it like it’s normal for Luke and it’s nothing that stands out or makes him lesser than or feel inferior,” Shane said in a confessional. “But Emily just wants to flip a switch and fix it. And I know it doesn’t work that way.”
Despite moments of tension, the Bravo star shared in the same episode that Shane has made significant strides in his parenting. “You being so much more engaged with him and being more affectionate — just more warm with him — has made a big difference,” she told her husband of 16 years.
Shane responded that his shift was “not physical, as much as it was validating and praising [Luke] and making him feel good.”
The update left fans inspired by the couple’s teamwork and the family’s resilience. As Simpson continues to balance motherhood, filming, and advocacy, she’s showing that even the most difficult parenting moments can lead to growth — both for children and their parents.
