About the CAT-Q

The **Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)** is a groundbreaking instrument designed to measure social camouflaging behaviors—strategies used to hide or mask autistic traits in social situations.

Why It Matters

Traditional autism assessments often miss individuals who are "high-masking"—those who have learned to copy social behaviors or suppress their natural instincts to fit in.

  • Gender Differences: Research shows that autistic females often have higher camouflaging scores, contributing to later diagnoses.
  • Mental Health Impact: High levels of camouflaging are strongly linked to exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout.

The Three Domains

The CAT-Q measures three specific types of camouflaging:

  • Compensation: Using strategies to overcome social difficulties (e.g., scripting conversations).
  • Masking: Hiding autistic traits (e.g., forcing eye contact).
  • Assimilation: Trying to fit in with others to avoid standing out.

Research Sources

CAT-Q Validation Study

Hull, L., et al. (2019). Development and Validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(3), 819–833.

Read Research Paper

Understanding Your Score

A high score on the CAT-Q suggests that you invest a significant amount of energy into navigating social situations. This validation can be a crucial step in understanding your own neurodivergent experience, even if you do not meet all the criteria for a traditional autism diagnosis.