Running head: MATHEMATICS IN AUTISM

Although clinical practitioners often express concerns about the mathematical functioning of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the field of mathematics remains a relatively unexplored topic in individuals with ASD. Moreover, research findings are fragmentary and hold inconclusive results. The present study aimed to examine whether grade 1 (aged 6-7 years) to 4 (aged 9-10 years) elementary school children with ASD scored significantly different from age-adequate norms on mathematics. To this end, a multi-componential approach of mathematics was used. Four domains of mathematics were assessed in 121 children with ASD: procedural calculation, number fact retrieval, word/language problems, and time-related competences. All children attended general education classrooms, following the standard curriculum, and were coached by integrated educational services. Children with ASD showed a strength in word/language problems in second and fourth grade. There was evidence of a weakness for procedural calculation in first grade and for time-related competences in first and third grade. In all other cases, average scores were shown. As such, results revealed a profile of strengths, average abilities and weaknesses in mathematics and highlighted the importance of focusing on different domains of mathematics. Since a high variability in mathematical performance could be observed, we recommend an individual assessment when considering the mathematical trajectory of children with ASD. MATHEMATICS IN AUTISM 4