Validating the German Translation of the Revised Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory

Abstract

Background:

This project evaluates the psychometric properties of a German translation of the Revised Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI-R). Previous measures of autistic traits are often based on a male-referenced conceptualization of autism, which may underestimate autistic traits in other genders. In addition, these measures tend to rely on neurotypical language, which can make it difficult for autistic people to respond and may reinforce stigma. To address these shortcomings, the CATI was originally developed as an alternative to traditional measures, including subscales that capture traits particularly relevant to autistic women. Building on this, we collaborated in an earlier work with members of the autism community to revise the CATI (CATI-R), ensuring more inclusive, respectful, and accessible language and concepts across all genders. In the present study, we translated this revised measure into German and validated it in a large sample of female, male, and non-binary participants. This study explores if the German translation of the CATI-R measures autistic traits fairly across genders and identifies potential differences in trait expression.

Methods:

To validate the German CATI-R, we analyzed data from a large sample (n = 1057), comprising German native speakers with a self-reported autism diagnosis (n = 29), people who self-identified as autistic (n = 84), and non-autistic participants (n = 944).

Results:

We successfully validated a German translation of the CATI-R. A confirmatory factor analysis supported the six-subscale structure (two-factor bifactor model: chi-squared = 2402.85, p < 0.001, root mean square error of approximation = 0.045, standardized root mean square residual = 0.047, comparative fit index = 0.99, and Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.99). With Spearman’s rank correlations, we showed positive relationships between all subscales (all r s > 0.37, ps < 0.001). Moreover, we demonstrated convergent validity with significant correlations between the German versions of the CATI-R, Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ): the AQ (rho = 0.69, p < 0.01) and BAPQ (rho = 0.77, p < 0.01). Finally, a measurement invariance analysis indicated that total scale scores can be compared across genders, while also capturing meaningful gender-based differences in autistic trait expression. We additionally found measurement equivalence across the English and German CATI-R.

Conclusions:

This study replicates findings for the English CATI-R. To our knowledge, this is the first validation of a measure of autistic traits in German that has been developed together with people from the community.

Community Brief

Why is this an important issue?

Most autism questionnaires were created without input from autistic people. Many were also designed around how autism shows up in men, which means they can miss important traits in women and non-binary people. On top of that, these tools often use confusing or clinical language that can feel stigmatizing or hard to relate to. There has never been a German-language autism traits questionnaire that was developed together with the autistic community and validated in a large sample, until now.

What was the purpose of this study?

We wanted to create a German translation of the Revised Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI-R), a tool originally developed in English with help from autistic people. Our goal was to make sure the German translation works just as well, meaning it is reliable, respectful, accessible, and nonstigmatizing. We also wanted to see if it captures autistic traits across different genders fairly.

What did the researchers do?

We worked with native German speakers from the autistic community to translate and adapt the CATI-R. Then, we tested it with over 1000 German-speaking adults, including people with an autism diagnosis, people who identify as autistic, and non-autistic people. We used statistical tools to check how well the questionnaire measured what it was supposed to, how consistent the results were, and whether scores could be fairly compared across genders.

What were the results and conclusions of the study?

The German CATI-R worked very well. It showed the same structure as the English translation and was reliable across all subscales. It matched well with other tools used to measure autistic traits. Most importantly, it worked equally well for men, women, and non-binary people. Non-binary participants reported the highest scores overall, and we saw some expected differences between women and men—for example, women reported more sensory sensitivities.

What is new or controversial about these findings?

This is the first time a German-language autistic traits questionnaire has been codeveloped with the community and tested in such a large and diverse group. Consistent with outcomes from other participatory research in autism, ¹ it shows that community-led research can create better tools that reflect real experiences across gender identities. It also highlights that gender-diverse people often report more autistic traits. While prior research has already identified gender differences in autistic traits, including among non-binary people, these differences are still not consistently addressed. Future studies should both continue to investigate how gender shapes autistic experiences and ensure that gender is systematically considered in autism research and clinical practice.

What are potential weaknesses in the study?

Our study relied on self-reported autism diagnoses, not clinical confirmation. Also, while we had more non-binary participants than many past studies, that group was still relatively small. More research is needed with clinically diagnosed and gender-diverse groups to strengthen these results.

How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future?

The German CATI-R offers a more inclusive and respectful way to explore autistic traits. It may help people who are seeking diagnosis or understanding their identity. Clinicians and researchers can use this tool to better support diverse autistic people in German-speaking communities.