Shane Simpson Opens Up About Struggles with Emily Simpson

The Struggles of Emily and Shane Simpson as They Navigate Their Son’s Health Challenges

The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC) couple, Emily Simpson and Shane Simpson, have found themselves in a difficult situation as they deal with their son Luke’s recent diagnosis of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). The challenges they face are not only affecting their son but also causing tension within their marriage.

Emily and Shane have been vocal about their differing perspectives on how to handle Luke’s condition. During a recent episode of RHOC Season 19, the couple had a heated discussion that highlighted their conflicting approaches. Emily expressed her concerns about Luke’s declining health, while Shane took a more laid-back stance, suggesting that some days might just be off days for their child.

Emily shared a specific example of Luke’s struggles during a movie theater outing. She described how she ordered him french fries, but instead of eating them, he used her phone flashlight to inspect each fry. As a mother, this moment deeply affected her. However, Shane responded by questioning why she kept emphasizing her role as a mother, pointing out that he too is a parent.

“I don’t know what the difference is,” he said. Emily countered by saying that it felt easier for Shane to dismiss the issue as an isolated event, whereas she felt the need to address it more seriously.

The couple also discussed other instances where Luke exhibited unusual behavior, such as refusing to go to school and needing assistance with basic tasks like brushing his teeth. Shane tried to downplay these events, noting that Luke had been fine earlier that day.

Despite their differences, both parents are concerned about Luke’s well-being. Emily has reached out to an autism specialist and mentioned that Luke will undergo intensive testing for autism spectrum disorder. She admitted that she feels overwhelmed and unsure about the best way to support her son.

“I have no idea what I’m doing,” she said in a confessional. “I don’t know if he should be in a different school or special classes. I don’t know what to do.”

Shane, on the other hand, believes that labeling the issue and gathering more information about how Luke functions can help improve his daily life. He emphasized the importance of understanding their son’s needs rather than jumping to conclusions.

Although the couple faced public speculation about their relationship, they have since confirmed that they are still together. Emily recently spoke about their marriage on Access Hollywood's Housewives Nightcap podcast, stating that they have had challenging times but remain committed to each other.

“We’ve had challenging things. We’ve been married almost 17 years now,” she said. She also acknowledged that filming RHOC while dealing with these issues was emotionally taxing, as they were not always on the same page when it came to parenting.

As they continue to navigate this difficult period, Emily and Shane are working to find a balance between their differing viewpoints. While their journey is far from easy, their love for their son remains at the center of everything they do.

Key Points of Their Conflict

• Emily’s Perspective:
• Believes Luke is in crisis and needs immediate attention.
• Feels isolated in her efforts to support their son.

• Concerned about Luke’s long-term well-being and future.

• Shane’s Perspective:

• Tries to keep things normal and not overreact to occasional setbacks.
• Feels that some days are just off days and doesn’t want to label Luke unnecessarily.
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding Luke’s behavior before making decisions.

Both parents are aware that their approach to handling Luke’s ARFID will require time, patience, and open communication. As they move forward, they hope to find common ground that supports their son’s growth and development.