What the CAT-Q measures
A total score and three patterns: compensation, masking and assimilation. These offer language for strategies that often remain invisible to others.
Validated questionnaire · 25 items · about 10 minutes
CAT-Q masking test
Explore how often you use strategies to compensate for, hide or adapt autistic traits in social situations.
- 25 questions
- 3 subscales
- Instant result
The CAT-Q measures camouflaging behaviour, not autism itself. A higher score is not a diagnosis and a lower score does not rule out autism.
CAT-Q Masking Test
Measure how much you mask with the scientifically validated CAT-Q questionnaire
The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) is a researched questionnaire. It maps strategies used to camouflage autistic traits in social situations.
1
Compensation
Using strategies to navigate social and communication difficulties.
2
Masking
Hiding responses or traits and trying to appear less autistic.
3
Assimilation
Forcing yourself to join or blend into uncomfortable social situations.
⚠️
Not a diagnosis
The CAT-Q measures camouflaging behaviour, not autism. Use the result as context for self-reflection or a professional conversation.
Source: Hull et al. (2019), development and validation of the CAT-Q.
More about the test, results and sources
Results and meaning
How should you read a CAT-Q result?
What the CAT-Q does not measure
Whether you are autistic, how much distress you experience or why you camouflage. Non-autistic people can use camouflaging strategies too.
What the three subscales separate
Compensation
Using learned strategies to navigate social and communication differences.
Masking
Hiding responses or traits and trying to present as less autistic.
Assimilation
Forcing yourself to join or blend into situations where you feel uncomfortable.
The three CAT-Q subscales
- Compensation: using strategies to navigate social or communication difficulties.
- Masking: hiding traits or trying to present as less autistic.
- Assimilation: trying to blend in and feel included in social situations.
Frequently asked questions about the CAT-Q
What is the CAT-Q?
The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire is a 25-item self-report measure. Its original study identified three factors: compensation, masking and assimilation.
Is the CAT-Q an autism test?
No. The CAT-Q explores social camouflaging and is not a diagnostic instrument for autism. Its result can add context to a broader assessment.
What does a high CAT-Q score mean?
A higher score indicates more self-reported camouflaging strategies. Also consider the three subscales and the energy, tension and consequences you experience.
Can I take the CAT-Q without a diagnosis?
Yes. The questionnaire was developed and studied with both autistic and non-autistic adults. It does not diagnose either group.
Does the CAT-Q show whether my masking is successful?
Not directly. It captures self-reported camouflaging strategies and effort, not whether other people actually perceive fewer autistic traits.
Can CAT-Q scores be compared between everyone?
Use comparisons cautiously. Validation research supports the three-part structure, but language, group differences and personal context affect how a total should be interpreted.
Put your result in context
CAT-Q score explainedRead about the total, subscales and limitations.Explore →What is masking?Recognise its forms, functions and possible energy cost.Explore →Broader masking reflection testLook beyond strategies to automation, recovery and sense of self.Explore →Broader autism self-testExplore sensory input, thinking style and recovery too.Explore →