Researchers study baby talk

OVERLAND PARK, KS (KGO) -- Researchers in Kansas are now trying to find the key to understanding childhood language development.

At the University of Kansas , experts are looking at how babies pay attention in social settings and how that can impact their language development as they learn to talk.

Clinical psychologist Brenda Salley has babies watch movie clips to test their attention span, tracking their eyes and heart rate.

"The heart rate slows down when we have very focused attention, so we can know if babies are really paying attention and learning from what we're showing them on a screen," said Salley.

Researchers think that children who are more attuned to paying attention may develop language earlier than other children.

The results of the five year study could also eventually reveal early warning signs of autism.