Autistic Masking & Camouflaging Test
Masking — or camouflaging — is the exhausting work of hiding autistic traits to pass as neurotypical: rehearsing conversations, forcing eye contact, copying other people. This free, private screen, inspired by the camouflaging research, helps you see how much you do it and what it costs. About three minutes, all on your device.
For each statement, choose how often it’s true for you.
1I rehearse what I’m going to say before conversations, sometimes word for word.
About this test
A reflective self-report inspired by the research on autistic camouflaging (the CAT-Q family of measures). It is not the licensed CAT-Q itself, and is a screen rather than a diagnostic instrument.
How the score works
Each answer scores from 0 (never) to 4 (very often) and the total sets your band. The bands are a plain guide to how often you recognised these experiences. They are not a validated cut-off and cannot show whether you have a condition.
Sources and further reading
Written by the Nurtured Coach team. Last updated 2 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the CAT-Q?
No. The CAT-Q is a separate published questionnaire, so your score here cannot be compared with a CAT-Q score. Our guide explains what the CAT-Q measures and how it works.
What is autistic masking?
Masking (or camouflaging) is consciously or unconsciously hiding autistic traits to appear neurotypical — suppressing stimming, scripting conversations, forcing eye contact, mimicking others. It can be effective socially but is exhausting and linked to burnout and mental-health strain.
Is this the CAT-Q?
No. The CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire) is a specific licensed measure. This is a reflective screen inspired by that research, designed to help you notice how much you mask — not a clinical or diagnostic test.
Does high masking mean I’m autistic?
Not on its own, but heavy masking is strongly associated with autism, particularly in people identified late. A high score is a reasonable prompt to explore an autism screen (such as our AQ-10) and a professional assessment.
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