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Description
The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) is a standardized self-report measure of camouflaging behaviors in autistic and non-autistic adults. It comprises 25 items and takes around 5 min to complete, on paper or online. The scale consists of three sub-scales: compensation (strategies used to overcome social difficulties associated with autism), masking (strategies used to hide autistic characteristics or present a less autistic persona), and assimilation (strategies used to avoid standing out during social interactions). In addition to sub-scale scores, a total camouflaging score can be calculated as the sum of all scores (ranging from 25 to 175, with higher scores indicating greater camouflaging). The CAT-Q is completed by the individual themselves, reflecting on their own behaviors at the present time.
Historical Background
Camouflaging describes the use of strategies, whether deliberate or automatic, to minimize the appearance...
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References and Readings
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Hull, L., Mandy, W. (2019). Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102327-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102327-1
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