​​Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)

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Click HERE to take test
 

The CAT-Q is a self-assessment for autistic adults—or those who suspect they may be autistic—who want to better understand how often they engage in camouflaging behaviors.

Camouflaging includes strategies used to hide or mask autistic traits in social situations, often to appear more “neurotypical.” This measure centers the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals navigating social expectations and identity.
 

Who It’s For

• Autistic adults (18+)

• Late-identified or self-diagnosed neurodivergent individuals

• Anyone exploring their social behaviors, identity expression, and the impact of masking
   

Duration

5–8 minutes
 

What It Measures

The CAT-Q measures the extent to which individuals use social camouflaging strategies across three domains:

• Compensation

  • Strategies used to manage or hide social challenges (e.g., mimicking social behaviors or rehearsing conversation).

• Masking

  • Suppressing natural responses, emotions, or traits to appear more socially acceptable.

• Assimilation

  • Adapting speech, behavior, or interests to fit in with social groups, even at the cost of personal identity.

 

​Total Score Interpretation

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Total Score Range: 25–175
 

25–80: Low Camouflaging
You likely express yourself authentically in social settings and rarely alter your behavior to fit in.

81–120: Moderate Camouflaging
You may use camouflaging behaviors in some situations, balancing authenticity with social adjustment.

121–175: High Camouflaging
You likely rely on camouflaging often, which may help you navigate social settings but also cause emotional fatigue or identity confusion.

Subscale Score Interpretation

Each subscale reveals different aspects of your camouflaging profile:
 

1. Compensation (Score Range: 9–63)
How often you use strategies to compensate for social challenges.
 

9–20: Low – Minimal use of compensation strategies; you likely interact without altering your natural behavior.
21–30: Mild – Occasional adjustments in social settings, but generally feel at ease.
31–46: Moderate – Regular use of effortful strategies to navigate social dynamics.
47–63: High – Strong reliance on compensation; may lead to exhaustion or burnout.

2. Masking (Score Range: 8–56)
How often you suppress or alter emotional and social expressions.
 

8–16: Low – You typically behave and express yourself authentically.
17–24: Mild – Occasional masking, but it doesn’t dominate your interactions.
25–40: Moderate – Frequent effort to mask emotions and traits to meet social expectations.
41–56: High – Persistent masking that may lead to stress, disconnection, or fatigue.
 

3. Assimilation (Score Range: 8–56)
How much effort you make to blend into social environments.
 

8–16: Low – You tend to prioritize individuality over fitting in.
17–24: Mild – You may adjust somewhat but retain your identity.
25–40: Moderate – You often modify behavior to be accepted.
41–56: High – Strong effort to assimilate socially, which may affect self-perception or comfort.

 

Support for Authentic Self-Expression

Navigating the world as an autistic or neurodivergent person—especially around identity, masking, and social connection—can be complex. You don’t have to do it alone.
 

A therapist who understands autism and camouflaging behaviors can help you explore these patterns with compassion, so you can move toward greater self-trust, ease, and connection.
 

👉 Ready to take the next step? [Reach out through our contact form]—we’re here to support you.