Baylor Researcher Receives Award for Novel Study on Equine-Assisted Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cory Smith, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Services, has received a $149,683 award from Horses and Humans Research Foundation for his proposal, “Measurement of brain activation responses to equine interactions in youth with autism during a 10-week manual based therapeutic horseback riding intervention.”
“The goal for this project is to improve the lives of both youth with autism, as well as horses, through novel neurophysiological monitoring,” Smith said. “As project lead, I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting and impactful study, and to work alongside Horses and Humans Research Foundation to accomplish pivotal movement forward in this field.”
Equine assisted therapy has become a widely accepted and applauded treatment option for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, with research affirming its benefits, including improved self-regulation, communication skills, and motor skills. However, there is still significant mystery surrounding why this therapy is so effective. This is where Smith and his expertise in applied physiology enters the conversation.
Smith’s project with Horses and Humans seeks to introduce new neurophysiological measurements to the human-animal interaction field. He will conduct the first ever equine-assisted services research study to perform real-time functional near-infrared spectroscopy neuroimaging on youth with autism spectrum disorder during therapy.
By understanding how interactions with the horse improve neural regulation, Smith hopes to provide a key to developing individualized care plans that can improve and enhance social and behavioral outcomes. In addition to the benefits to humans, the study will also provide data-driven findings for equine welfare by examining how human dysregulation impacts horses’ stress response.
“We are thrilled for the recent announcement of Dr. Cory Smith’s funding award from Horses and Humans Research Foundation,” said Renée Umstattd Meyer, PhD, Associate Dean for Research in Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. “This grant aligns with two Robbins College Signature Research Initiatives—(Re)habilitative Sciences and Behavioral and Human Sciences—and supports recent efforts of Dr. Smith and colleagues to introduce cutting edge neurophysiological monitoring with youth with autism spectrum disorder. We look forward to seeing the impact and reach of this innovative work.”