Still Growing: Why Slower Doesn’t Mean Stuck in the FASD Brain

Still Growing: Why Slower Doesn’t Mean Stuck in the FASD Brain

What if slower brain growth didn’t mean stuck? What if it actually meant the brain was still growing — just on its own timeline?

In this powerful episode of The FASD Success Show, Jeff Noble sits down with Dr. Catherine Lebel, Canada’s leading FASD brain imaging researcher, to explore what MRI scans are revealing about brain growth, learning, and change over time.

Through her groundbreaking studies at the University of Calgary, Dr. Lebel and her team are showing that the FASD brain continues to develop, adapt, and rewire well into adulthood. It might look different. It might take longer. But it’s still happening.

Meet Dr. Catherine Lebel

Dr. Catherine Lebel is a neuroscientist, professor, and mom who leads one of the world’s most advanced FASD neuroimaging labs. She’s been studying brain development for more than a decade — and in the past year, she also beat cancer.

Her work has helped shape how we understand brain structure and function after prenatal alcohol exposure. From MRI safety to longitudinal studies that follow children for years, Dr. Lebel’s research offers families something they’ve been craving for a long time — scientific proof of hope.

In This Episode You’ll Hear

The Brain Keeps Growing
MRI scans show that children and adults with FASD experience slower but ongoing brain development. Growth happens — it just takes longer to show up.

Early Overconnectivity and Later Slowdown
Younger children with FASD often show more brain connectivity than expected, which later balances out. The brain is working hard to organize itself and find efficiency over time.

Why Interventions Are Never Wasted
Every new experience, strategy, or relationship shapes the brain’s wiring. Progress might be slower, but it’s real and measurable.

Postnatal Environment Matters
Stable homes, loving relationships, and consistent care all influence brain structure. These factors can strengthen brain pathways and improve outcomes.

A Different Pathway to Learning
The FASD brain doesn’t stop learning — it learns differently. It may rely on more brain areas to complete the same task, but it still gets there.

Hope Backed by Science
The takeaway from Dr. Lebel’s work is simple. The FASD brain isn’t broken. It’s different. And difference doesn’t mean less — it means unique potential.

Why It Matters

For caregivers, this research changes everything.

If your child, teen, or adult loved one isn’t hitting milestones “on time,” it doesn’t mean they’re not progressing. It means their brain is still building connections, learning, and adapting at its own pace.

That means your efforts — the routines, the patience, the calm in the storm — are shaping the brain in real, measurable ways.

It’s never too late for growth. Never too late to learn. Never too late for hope.

Watch or Listen to the Full Episode

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuH88ma54Yg 
Apple Podcasts: The FASD Success Show 
Spotify: Listen on Spotify 

Resources and Links

Join our FASD Success Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/FASDforever 
Follow us on Instagram: @FASDSuccess 
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @FASDSuccess 
Full Show Notes and Resources: fasdsuccess.com/podcast 

Learn more about Dr. Catherine Lebel’s research: lebel.neuroimaging