CATI Calculator

What is the CATI?

The Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI) is a 42-item self-report measure designed to assess autistic traits across six domains. Developed by English, Gignac, Visser, Whitehouse, and colleagues, the CATI was published in Molecular Autism in 2021. It was designed to address limitations in existing autistic trait measures by providing comprehensive coverage of the trait dimensions described in contemporary autism research.

The six domains assessed by the CATI are: Social Interactions, Communication, Social Camouflage, Cognitive Inflexibility, Self-Regulatory Behaviours, and Sensory Sensitivity. Each item is rated on a five-point Likert scale, and the instrument provides both a total score and subscale scores for each domain.

Development and Validation

The CATI was developed to address recognised limitations in existing autistic trait measures, many of which were developed before contemporary understanding of autism evolved. Key design goals included comprehensive domain coverage, inclusion of camouflaging (a construct increasingly recognised in autism research), appropriate factor structure, and adequate psychometric properties across gender.

English and colleagues (2021) validated the CATI across multiple samples, including autistic and non-autistic adults. The instrument demonstrated a clear six-factor structure, good to excellent internal consistency for each subscale (Cronbach's alpha 0.79-0.95), and the ability to distinguish between autistic and non-autistic individuals.

The inclusion of a Social Camouflage subscale is a notable feature. Research has shown that many autistic individuals, particularly women and gender-diverse people, mask or camouflage their autistic traits in social situations. Traditional autistic trait measures may underestimate traits in these individuals; the CATI's explicit measurement of camouflaging addresses this gap.

How CATI Scoring Works

The CATI uses a five-point Likert scale for each of its 42 items:

1 = Definitely Disagree 2 = Somewhat Disagree 3 = Neither Agree nor Disagree 4 = Somewhat Agree 5 = Definitely Agree

Items are grouped into six subscales (7 items each):

Social Interactions: Difficulties with social engagement Communication: Challenges with verbal and non-verbal communication Social Camouflage: Masking or compensating for autistic traits Cognitive Inflexibility: Preference for routine and difficulty with change Self-Regulatory Behaviours: Repetitive or self-regulating actions Sensory Sensitivity: Heightened or unusual sensory responses

Five items are reverse-scored (items 8, 15, 19, 23, 28) so that higher scores consistently reflect greater endorsement of autistic traits. Subscale and total scores are sums of the relevant items. Total scores range from 42 to 210. Research by English et al. (2021) has identified a score of approximately 134 as a threshold indicating elevated likelihood of autism, though the CATI is a dimensional measure and autistic traits exist on a continuum.

Clinical Applications

The CATI is used in clinical and research settings to assess the breadth and profile of autistic traits. Unlike dichotomous screening tools, the CATI provides a dimensional profile across six domains, which can inform clinical understanding of an individual's strengths and challenges.

The instrument is relevant in the context of autism assessment, where it can supplement clinical interview and behavioural observation. It may be particularly useful for identifying camouflaging behaviours that can mask autistic traits during formal assessment, potentially contributing to missed or delayed identification.

It is important to note that the CATI is a trait measure, not a diagnostic tool. Autistic traits exist on a continuum in the general population, and elevated scores do not indicate an autism diagnosis. Formal autism assessment requires comprehensive evaluation by a qualified practitioner using multiple methods and informant sources.

CATI in Australian Practice

The CATI was developed by Australian researchers at the Telethon Kids Institute and the University of Western Australia, making it particularly relevant to Australian practice. The instrument was validated using Australian samples and reflects contemporary Australian understanding of autism.

In Australia, autism assessment is typically conducted by multidisciplinary teams including psychologists, speech pathologists, and paediatricians or psychiatrists. The CATI can serve as a supplementary tool within this assessment process, providing quantitative data on autistic trait profiles.

The instrument's inclusion of a camouflage subscale is relevant to growing Australian awareness that autism may present differently across genders and that traditional assessment approaches may not adequately identify autism in women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. The CATI is available for use without licensing fees.