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Social Camouflaging Behaviors (CAT-Q)

We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us using the contact form.

Taking time to reflect on yourself can feel like a big step! We are really glad you are here and willing to explore.

Who is this screener for?
This screener, called the CAT-Q, is one of several tools used to explore autism. It is designed to help you reflect on whether additional support or a formal evaluation may be helpful. The CAT-Q specifically looks at camouflaging, or masking behaviors, in adults who may not have been identified as autistic because they have learned to hide or adapt their traits. Click here to learn more about autism.

You will receive scores across three categories, along with a total score. Below your results, you will find more information about what your score may mean, along with suggested next steps.

It is important to remember that these results do not define who you are or capture your full experience. They are simply a starting point for exploration.

How to complete the screener:Take your time reading each question and select the answer that feels most true to your experience. This screener includes 25 multiple-choice questions. When you finish, click “Get Your Results!” to learn more.

Your privacy:
Your responses are private unless you decide to share them. We do not collect or store your answers. After viewing your results, you can download a report. If you choose to connect with a therapist, psychologist, or coach, sharing your report can help them better understand how to support you.

Downloading your results:
To download your report, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the button labeled “Click Here to Download Your Results.” You can then open and save it to your device.

 

Start your screener below:

1. When I am interacting with someone, I deliberately copy their body language or facial expressions.






2. I monitor my body language or facial expressions so that I appear relaxed.






3. I rarely feel the need to put on an act in order to get through a social situation.






4. I have developed a script to follow in social situations.






5. I will repeat phrases that I have heard others say in the exact same way that I first heard them.






6. I adjust my body language or facial expressions so that I appear interested by the person I am interacting with.






7. In social situations, I feel like I’m ‘performing’ rather than being myself.






8. In my own social interactions, I use behaviours that I have learned from watching other people interacting.






9. I always think about the impression I make on other people.






10. I need the support of other people in order to socialise.






11. I practice my facial expressions and body language to make sure they look natural.






12. I don’t feel the need to make eye contact with other people if I don’t want to.






13. I have to force myself to interact with people when I am in social situations.






14. I have tried to improve my understanding of social skills by watching other people.






15. I monitor my body language or facial expressions so that I appear interested by the person I am interacting with.






16. When in social situations, I try to find ways to avoid interacting with others.






17. I have researched the rules of social interactions to improve my own social skills.






18. I am always aware of the impression I make on other people.






19. I feel free to be myself when I am with other people.






20. I learn how people use their bodies and faces to interact by watching television or films, or by reading fiction.






21. I adjust my body language or facial expressions so that I appear relaxed.






22. When talking to other people, I feel like the conversation flows naturally.






23. I have spent time learning social skills from television shows and films, and try to use these in my interactions.






24. In social interactions, I do not pay attention to what my face or body are doing.






25. In social situations, I feel like I am pretending to be ‘normal’.






Your responses and results are private unless you choose to share them. We do not collect or store your information.

If you would like a copy of your results, you can download your score report after clicking “Get Your Results!”

If you decide to meet with a psychologist, bringing your results along can be helpful. We recommend saving a copy for your records.

You have scored , which is in the typical range.

A score between 0 and 80 falls within the typical range and does not usually suggest a need for additional support. However, if you feel your score doesn't reflect the effort you put into managing or masking your experiences, you are not alone. We offer therapists and coaches who can help you find ways to make things feel more natural and sustainable.

If you have questions or would like support, our team is here and happy to connect with you. Contact us here.

You can download your results by clicking the blue button below.

You have scored , which is in the MEDIUM range.

A score between 81 and 99 indicates an intermediate amount of social masking behavior. This may be an area worth exploring further. If you are interested in learning more, our psychologists can help guide you through a deeper evaluation. We also offer therapists and coaches who can provide ongoing support along the way.

If you have questions or would like support, our team is here and happy to connect with you. Contact us here.

You can download your results by clicking the blue button below.

You have scored a , which is in the HIGH range.

A score of 100 or higher suggests significant social masking behavior, which may be an indication of autism. Further exploration with a qualified professional may be helpful in better understanding your experiences.

If you have questions or would like to inquire about support or assessments, our team is here and happy to connect with you. Contact us here.

You can download your results by clicking the blue button below.