Commentary: The construct validity of ‘camouflaging’ in autism: psychometric considerations and recommendations for future research ‐ reflection on Lai et al. (2020)

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Williams, Z. J. (2021). Commentary: The construct validity of ‘camouflaging’ in autism: psychometric considerations and recommendations for future research ‐ reflection on Lai et al. (2020). Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 63(1), 118-121. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13468

Publication date: 17 Jun 2021 Added to AutiHub: 7 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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  1. Zachary J. Williams *

Abstract

Research on the construct of 'camouflaging' in autism and its sociodemographic/clinical correlates has far outpaced the work being done to establish the construct validity of camouflaging and its distinction from other similar constructs. The imprecision with which camouflaging is defined and measured has serious implications for future research on this topic, and unless additional effort is made to produce reliable and valid measurements of this construct, researchers will not be able to meaningfully assess important questions such as whether the effort of camouflaging one's behavior contributes to increased mental health difficulties. By reviewing the psychometric strengths and weaknesses of various operationalizations of camouflaging, this commentary highlights a pressing need for further measure validation in this area. Specific methodological guidance is provided for researchers interested in rigorously testing the validity of putative camouflaging measures.

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29 / 29 (100.0%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 29 / 62 (46.8%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 17 / 17 (100.0%).
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