Development and Validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q).
Authors
Change log
Abstract
There currently exist no self-report measures of social camouflaging behaviours (strategies used to compensate for or mask autistic characteristics during social interactions). The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) was developed from autistic adults' experiences of camouflaging, and was administered online to 354 autistic and 478 non-autistic adults. Exploratory factor analysis suggested three factors, comprising of 25 items in total. Good model fit was demonstrated through confirmatory factor analysis, with measurement invariance analyses demonstrating equivalent factor structures across gender and diagnostic group. Internal consistency (α = 0.94) and preliminary test-retest reliability (r = 0.77) were acceptable. Convergent validity was demonstrated through comparison with measures of autistic traits, wellbeing, anxiety, and depression. The present study provides robust psychometric support for the CAT-Q.
Publication Date
Online Publication Date
Acceptance Date
Keywords
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
1573-3432
Volume Title
Publisher
Sponsorship
Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF) (TWCF0138/AB89)
Medical Research Council (G0600977)
Wellcome Trust (091774/Z/10/Z)