Quizzes/CAT-Q
Self-assessment · Autism Camouflaging

Camouflaging Traits Quiz

The CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire) measures how much you adapt, mask, or compensate to fit into social environments. Based on Hull et al. (2017), it covers three subscales: Assimilation, Compensation, and Masking. Takes about 6 minutes.

25questions
~6 minto complete
Freeno sign-up needed
Question 1 of 250%
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Your results

Subscale scores

Assimilation
0/63
Compensation
0/70
Masking
0/42

Total score interpretation (25–175)

25–74Low camouflaging
75–124Moderate camouflaging
125–175High camouflaging
The CAT-Q was developed by Hull et al. (2017). Mean scores: autistic women ~124, autistic men ~116, non-autistic women ~104, non-autistic men ~91. High scores do not confirm autism, many non-autistic people camouflage. This measure is most meaningful when considered alongside other assessments.
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Assimilation

Refers to copying others' behavior and blending into social environments, often unconsciously. People high in assimilation tend to take behavioral cues from those around them to know how to act.

Compensation

Involves actively learned strategies, memorized scripts, rehearsed responses, rules for social situations. High compensation is cognitively effortful and is often described as mentally exhausting over time.

Masking

Means actively hiding or suppressing autistic traits, pretending to be more comfortable than you are, concealing difficulties from others. High masking is strongly associated with autistic burnout and identity confusion.

Masking is exhausting. Understanding is the first step.

High camouflaging scores, especially combined with autistic traits, often explain years of exhaustion, missed diagnoses, and the sense that something was always being held together through sheer effort. A comprehensive assessment can finally put language to the experience.

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