Table 2 Comparison of symbolic abilities and development levels in ASD without GDD group and DLD group in children aged 18–24 months

SPT equivalent age

 < 12 months

16

80.00%

4

20.00%

10.001

0.002

0.398

 ≥12 months

16

37.21%

27

62.79%

Gross motor function

100.09 ± 7.62

98.97 ± 5.68

0.664

0.509

0.167

Fine motor function

89.06 ± 13.40

92.55 ± 9.65

−1.182

0.242

0.299

Adaptive behavior function

86.73 ± 12.45

100.65 ± 11.15

−4.667

< 0.001

1.178

Language function

58.67 ± 11.89

67.48 ± 9.57

−3.236

0.002

0.816

Personal-social function

69.14 ± 7.09

73.48 ± 5.11

−2.782

0.007

0.702