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Watch: RHOC’s Emily Simpson Emotionally Details 10-Year-Old Son’s Rare

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RHOC’s Emily Simpson Shares Update on Son Luke’s Health Struggles

Watch: RHOC’s Emily Simpson Emotionally Details 10-Year-Old Son’s Rare Eating Disorder

Emily Simpson‘s son Luke is thriving like never before.

In fact, The Real Housewives of Orange County star shared a heartwarming update on her 11-year-old’s progress one year after she shared his struggles with developmental issues, including the rare eating disorder ARFID (short for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).

“He’s doing much better,” Emily exclusively told E! News at the Bravo series’ season 20 premiere party in Los Angeles on June 30. “He goes to a new school now, so we’ve really found what works for him.”

In addition to making sure Luke’s special needs are met in the classroom, Emily and husband Shane Simpson—also parents to daughter Annabelle, 12, and Luke’s twin Keller in addition to Shane’s daughters from a previous marriage Shelby and Chanel—have also made adjustments at home as they navigate Luke’s anxiety, ADHD and OCD.

“We’ve had to parent differently,” the 50-year-old shared. “He’s completely different than the other children, he has different needs.”

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And while parenting in the public eye is never easy, Emily doesn’t regret for a second her decision to share their family struggles on the reality show.

Especially after she learned Luke’s problems were potentially linked to PANDAS—pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders—a group of symptoms associated with streptococcal infections in young kids.

“I am so glad that I shared about him,” the attorney reflected, “because I still, a year later, get DMs from moms saying, ‘I didn’t know about PANDAS, now I know. I took my kid to the doctor, they got a diagnosis. You’re the reason I did that.’ I’m not talking one, I’m talking lots and lots and lots of messages.”

Instagram/Emily Simpson

“So, even though I struggled with how much to share,” Emily added, “because he is my child, I’m so glad that I did.”

Speaking of struggles, Emily also addressed speculation that her and Shane’s marriage is on the rocks after RHOC‘s season 20 trailer teased problems for the longtime couple.

“Shane and I are still together,” she confirmed to E!. “I think we’re just two people that have been married a long time, it will be 18 years soon. Navigating life and marriage and cameras and kids and a blended family and dogs and cats and a house and we irritate each other.”

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And what couple of 18 years doesn’t hit bumps in the road every now and then?

“We don’t ever sugar-coat our relationship on camera,” she added. “If he’s mad at me, he doesn’t rise to the occasion, he’s just mad at me. So, he doesn’t alter his behavior at all, ever.”

Get a closer look at Emily and her costars’ family dynamics when The Real Housewives of Orange County premieres July 9 at 8 p.m. on Bravo.

And keep reading to learn more about the show’s milestone 20th season.

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Vicki GunvalsonVicki’s love tank is full thanks to boyfriend Michael. However, when the women learn there’s a ring without a proposal, their relationship suddenly comes into question. Vicki continues to navigate her friendships with Tamra and Shannon, but finds herself at odds with new girl Carmella.

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Heather DubrowHeather’s life gets a big shakeup when her mother Carole moves from New York to L.A., challenging their already-complex relationship. Meanwhile, Heather’s dynamic with the women takes a turn, leaving everyone trying to figure out where they stand with her.

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Emily SimpsonAfter an emotional year with her family, Emily Simpson is focusing on her health and self-care as she turns 50. As Emily and Shane continue to navigate the complexities of raising their family, Shane makes career and parental sacrifices that strain their marriage. While her friendship with Heather is tested, Emily finds a Midwestern kinship with new girl Carmella.

Koury Angelo/Bravo

Shannon Storms BeadorSingle Shannon is on a quest to find a life partner and get her finances in order as she plans for her future. With Vicki’s guidance, Shannon strengthens her financial literacy and makes decisions that challenge her to rethink her lifestyle. The strength of her friendship with Jennifer is tested as tries to push past her boundaries with Tamra.

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Tamra JudgeTamra’s friendship with Shannon takes a turn for the better thansk to help from Vicki, but things aren’t peaceful for long when Tamra calls out Vicki for a past comment about her parenting choices.

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Carmella GarciaNew Housewife and real estate developer Carmella Garcia is a busy mom of four kids ages 14 to 18. A self-proclaimed “girls’ girl,” she makes fast friends, but some of the women question her motives. Carmella isn’t intimidated easily and proves she is ready to confront just anyone when tension begins to build between her and Vicki.

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Gina KirschenheiterGina is in pre-marital bliss after getting engaged to boyfriend Travis, but her relationship raises several questions for Gina to contemplate before she can walk down the aisle. Her friendship with Emily has never been stronger, but when Carmella tries to connect with her bestie, Gina looks for any hidden agendas.

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Jennifer Pedranti Jennifercontinues to build a future with fiancé Ryan while juggling a house full of teens. Jennifer steps up as peacemaker among the women, helping them repair their relationships with Tamra. Meanwhile, Jennifer introduces her friend Carmella to the group and receives mixed reactions.

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