Baby babble offers clues for autism

KXAN (AUSTIN) - Thousands of central Texas' autistic children are diagnosed as toddlers. At the Central Texas Autism Center children as young as 18 months are taught speech and socialization skills, but a new study from the University of Memphis reports that even earlier detection is possible. There's a new computerized way of deciphering between the babbles and coos of autistic babies from that of non-autistic babies.

"This study, I believe, is not just looking at kids that aren't babbling, but looking at the quality of their babble, and if there are any differences in their babbling, and certainly we see that in some of our kids," Kelle Wood-Rich said.

Wood-Rich said the earlier that autistic children get to practice their good behavior, the better. So a study like this on babies is actually an important piece of the autistic puzzle.

Wood-Rich said this is just one piece. It will not take away from the behavior observations, and the need to monitor children carefully for other disorders that may not be autism.

"And every single child we meet is so different. And there are so many reasons that might cause autism and kids are so multifaceted, it's putting together all the puzzles that kind of complete the treatment package," she said.

She said it's never too early to start changing a child's behavior and to get a jump-start on verbal and social skills. There are always differences from person to person.

But the more time there is fix the child, the better off their future will be.