OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — The researchers at the University of Kansas who monitor the seemingly everyday activities of babies are seeking to unlock the key to childhood language development.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports that the KU Baby Lab at the university’s Edwards Campus is studying how infants pay attention in social settings.

The first phase of the study is for two years and about halfway finished. The second phase will be a three-year longitudinal study of children with signs of developmental delays. The research could eventually reveal early warning signs of autism and lead to advancements in the way all infants are taught language.

The university also has baby labs in Lawrence and at the KU Medical Center.