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Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)

What is the CAT-Q?

The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure the extent of masking behaviours in autistic individuals. Camouflaging is the act of masking or suppressing autistic traits and behaviours to blend in with neurotypical society. The CAT-Q consists of 25 questions that measure 3 categories of camouflaging including, compensation, assimilation and masking. The CAT-Q can also be used to identify undiagnosed autistic individuals who do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of autism because of their masking capabilities. 

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How are CAT-Q scores interpreted?

  • A score of 100 and above suggests high camouflaging

  • The greater the score the higher the extent of camouflaging traits

  • A study found that autistic females had significantly higher CAT-Q scores than autistic males 

  • Autistic females scored an average of 124

  • Autistic males scored an average of 109

  • A score of below 100 suggests lower camouflaging

 

References

Gender differences in self-reported camouflaging in autistic and non autistic adults (Hull et al., 2019)

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