Advocating for brighter futures: Aggie neuroscientist works to illuminate fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

In an endeavor to shed light on the pressing issue of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Siara Rouzer, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate at Texas A&M University School of Medicine, recently returned from an impactful trip to the nation’s capital. During FASD United’s Impact Week in Washington, D.C., Rouzer actively engaged with congressional representatives to champion a bill to augment education and resources for FASD. Her mission is to champion the cause of FASD research and support pivotal legislative measures to bolster education and resources for affected individuals. Rouzer’s engagement in research and advocacy aims to confront this often-overlooked disorder that has profound ramifications on individuals and families across the nation.

FASD encompasses a wide range of physical, behavioral and cognitive impairments that stem from prenatal alcohol exposure, or exposure to alcohol before birth. It is a serious public health concern and a leading preventable cause of birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders in the United States.  In her work as a neuroscientist, Rouzer explores the intricate pathways through which alcohol impairs fetal brain development, resulting in a spectrum of challenges and disabilities. “Alcohol’s ability to breach the placental barrier directly impacts fetal development,” she said. People with FASD may experience difficulties in learning and memory, communicating and developing social skills, controlling emotions and impulsivity, switching between tasks, and performing everyday life skills such as feeding, bathing, telling time and minding personal safety.

Yet, diagnosing FASD presents a tough challenge, heightened by societal stigmas that shroud maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. “Mothers who acknowledge alcohol use during pregnancy often face harsh condemnation, surpassing even the judgment leveled against those incarcerated,” Rouzer said. She stresses the importance of fostering a supportive environment conducive to candid discussions about alcohol consumption during pregnancy, emphasizing the pivotal role of early intervention in mitigating the repercussions of prenatal alcohol exposure.

In her pursuit of advancing knowledge on FASD, Rouzer has extended her research purview to encompass the impact of maternal cannabis use during pregnancy. Recognizing the need for nuanced understanding, she outlines the differential effects of various cannabis consumption methods on fetal development. “While smoked cannabis yields immediate effects, edibles introduce delayed impacts owing to metabolic disparities,” she said.

Rouzer says her meetings with congressional leaders seem promising. “Our meetings bore fruit, garnering a valuable co-sponsor for the bill,” she said.

As she continues her efforts to raise awareness of this serious yet often neglected disorder, Rouzer remains committed to advancing understanding and support for those impacted by FASD, advocating for enhanced resources and improved diagnostic capabilities. Her steadfast pursuit offers hope to individuals and families facing FASD, spotlighting the transformative potential of scientific inquiry and advocacy in tackling complex public health challenges.