CAT-Q

Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire

AutismSelf-reportAges 16+25 statements~5 min

Validated by Hull et al. (2019) · View paper

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Jaye Turrietta, PsyD, BCBA-D, AEP

A 25-item self-report measure of social camouflaging behaviours in adults.

For each statement, select the response that best describes your experience. There are no right or wrong answers — respond based on how things generally are for you.

25 statements · ~5 min · Auto-saved

About the CAT-Q

The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire is a self-report screening tool developed by Laura Hull and colleagues in 2018. It measures the strategies people use to mask or hide autistic traits in social situations — behaviours that are especially common among autistic women and often go unrecognised by other screening instruments.

Designed for adults (16+) with at least average intelligence. Takes about 5–10 minutes to complete.

What it measures

Compensation

Strategies used to cope with or mitigate social difficulties. 9 items.

Masking

Active attempts to hide autistic traits or appear non-autistic. 8 items.

Assimilation

Efforts to fit in socially when it does not come naturally. 8 items.

Scoring

Each of the 25 statements is rated 1–7, for a total range of 25 to 175. A score of 100 or above suggests significant camouflaging.

Reference scores

Autistic Women

124

Autistic Men

109

Non-Autistic Women

Non-Autistic Men

Reliability

Validation studies report strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α ≈ 0.94 for the full scale; 0.85–0.92 across subscales) and stable test-retest reliability over three months.

Important: The CAT-Q is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Camouflaging behaviours occur in both autistic and non-autistic people. For a formal evaluation, consult a qualified clinician.

Hull, L., Mandy, W., Lai, M.-C., Baron-Cohen, S., Allison, C., Smith, P., & Petrides, K. V. (2019). Development and Validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 819–833.

CAT-Q FAQs

The most common questions about the CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire).

What is the CAT-Q?

The CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire) is a 25-item statement self-report screener for social camouflaging / masking behaviours. A 25-item self-report measure of social camouflaging behaviours in adults — compensation, masking, and assimilation. It was developed by Hull et al. (2019).

Who can take the CAT-Q?

The CAT-Q is designed for adults age 16 and up to complete themselves.

How long does the CAT-Q take?

Most people complete the CAT-Q in about 5 minutes. You can pause at any time — your answers are saved in your browser, so you can resume on the same device.

Is the CAT-Q diagnostic?

No. The CAT-Q is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It is a validated screener that can suggest whether further evaluation is warranted, but only a licensed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can make a formal diagnosis. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations via telehealth — a doctoral-level psychologist conducts a comprehensive evaluation, with reports typically delivered within days.

Is the CAT-Q free to take here?

Yes. The CAT-Q is free to take on this page. We don't require a sign-up, and we don't collect or share your responses — your answers are saved locally in your browser. You can also export your results as a PDF for your own records or to share with a clinician.

What does my CAT-Q score mean?

After you complete the CAT-Q, you'll see your total score broken into the validated severity / likelihood bands published for this instrument, along with a plain-language interpretation. Specific cutoffs vary by tool — for the CAT-Q, the scoring ranges and band descriptions are shown directly on the results page.

What if my CAT-Q score is elevated?

An elevated score on the CAT-Q is one signal — not a diagnosis. The recommended next step is a comprehensive clinical evaluation. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations starting at $950 flat fee with no waitlist; reports are typically delivered within days and include the diagnostic documentation needed for IEPs, ABA prior authorization, and other downstream services.

If your CAT-Q score suggests further evaluation may be warranted, book a comprehensive evaluation with one of our PSYPACT-licensed clinical psychologists. Reports typically delivered within one week.

How the CAT-Q compares to related screeners

Most autism screeners measure similar constructs but vary in length, target audience, and emphasis. Here's how the CAT-Q relates to the most commonly-paired alternatives.

CAT-Q vs EDA-QA

The CAT-Q and the EDA-QA both measure social camouflaging / masking behaviours at a similar length (25 vs 26 statements). They originated from different research groups (2019 and 2019 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the EDA-QA →

CAT-Q vs RBQ-2A

The CAT-Q and the RBQ-2A both measure social camouflaging / masking behaviours at a similar length (25 vs 20 statements). They originated from different research groups (2019 and 2015 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the RBQ-2A →

CAT-Q vs TEQ

The CAT-Q and the TEQ both measure social camouflaging / masking behaviours at a similar length (25 vs 16 statements). They originated from different research groups (2019 and 2009 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the TEQ →

Add this free screener to your site

Educators, clinicians, and organizations are welcome to embed the CAT-Q for free. Copy the snippet below. It keeps a small link back to NeuroClarity.