Comprehensive Autistic Trait Test

The Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI) is a scientifically validated self-report questionnaire designed to measure autistic traits in adults. Unlike diagnostic tools that focus solely on clinical identification, the CATI provides a nuanced evaluation of autistic tendencies across multiple domains, offering researchers, clinicians, and educators valuable insights into individual differences in neurodiverse populations. Its robust design makes it a widely used instrument in psychological research, cognitive studies, and developmental assessments.

The CATI assesses six key dimensions of autistic traits, each representing a critical aspect of cognition, behavior, and social interaction. These subscales include social interactions, communication, social camouflage, repetitive and self-regulatory behaviors, cognitive rigidity, and sensory sensitivity. By examining these domains, the CATI captures the complex ways in which autistic traits manifest, enabling a comprehensive understanding that goes beyond surface-level behaviors.

Social interactions are a core focus of the CATI, addressing challenges in forming and maintaining relationships, interpreting social cues, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. The communication subscale explores difficulties with verbal and non-verbal expression, including literal interpretation of language, understanding humor or sarcasm, and conveying thoughts clearly. Social camouflage, a particularly modern addition to the inventory, examines the strategies individuals use to mask or compensate for autistic traits in social settings, highlighting the effort some adults exert to fit into neurotypical norms.

The repetitive and self-regulatory behaviors subscale measures tendencies toward routine, ritualistic actions, and focused interests. Similarly, cognitive rigidity evaluates preferences for structure, rule-following, and resistance to change, reflecting patterns that are common in autism spectrum conditions. Lastly, sensory sensitivity identifies heightened responses to environmental stimuli, such as light, sound, texture, or smell, which can significantly influence daily experiences.

The CATI is not only valuable for research purposes but also serves as a practical tool for clinical and educational applications. Psychologists and therapists use it to better understand clients’ strengths and challenges, while educators may apply its findings to support neurodiverse students effectively. By providing a comprehensive profile of autistic traits, the CATI helps identify areas where accommodations, interventions, or coping strategies may be beneficial.

One of the strengths of the CATI lies in its scientific rigor. Developed from extensive empirical research, it is designed to capture subtle variations in behavior, cognition, and sensory processing. This reliability and validity make it an essential resource for studies on autism spectrum traits, individual differences, and broader neurodiversity research.

In summary, the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI) is a powerful, evidence-based tool for assessing adult autistic traits. With its six detailed subscales, it offers deep insights into social, cognitive, and sensory dimensions, supporting research, clinical evaluation, and educational planning. Whether for scientific study or practical application, the CATI provides a reliable framework to understand the diversity of autistic experiences in adulthood.

References

• English, M. C. W., Gignac, G. E., Visser, T. A. W., Whitehouse, A. J. O., Enns, J. T., & Maybery, M. T. (2021). The Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI): Development and validation of a new measure of autistic traits in the general population. Molecular Autism, 12, Article 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229021004457
• English, M. C. W., et al. (2025). “What does ‘often’ even mean?” Revising and validating the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory in partnership with autistic people. Molecular Autism, 16, Article 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229025006437