Editorial Policy
Mission Statement
Autism Parenting Magazine is the leading monthly magazine for parents of autistic children and professionals seeking to work with children on the spectrum. Established in 2012, our focus remains objectively publishing autism-related topics, events, developments, treatments, and news stories. We also cover inspiring real-life stories to help parents make informed decisions and update them on the latest therapeutic and management options.
Autism Parenting Magazine strives to respect and value the opinions of people with autism, parents, and professionals. We remain unbiased on most issues to provide accurate and safe information/methods to parents so they can make the most informed decision about their unique circumstances.
We always insist on the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior as we gather and deliver content, whether on our blog, magazine, or other platforms. We avoid inaccuracies, carelessness, bias, or distortions at all costs.
At Autism Parenting Magazine, we clearly identify advertising on our platforms and aim to provide our audience and the autism community with the most accurate, unbiased information possible.
The trust our audience and the autism community place in us is supreme.
Lastly, when we make mistakes, we correct them – fully, quickly, transparently, and ungrudgingly.
It is the commitment of every one of us to ensure that the abovementioned standards are upheld, respected, and celebrated.
Editorial Objectives
These editorial objectives guide all contributors, staff, and associates affiliated with Autism Parenting Magazine. Our Code of Ethics also underscores these objectives.
Quality Content
We strive to publish high-quality, evidence-based, and well-researched content that meets the diverse needs of our readers. Articles must be accurate, current, and relevant to the autism community.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to representing the diversity of the autism spectrum and the global community. Our content will reflect different perspectives, cultures, and experiences, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.
Empowerment and Education
Our goal is to empower our readers by providing valuable information, strategies, and resources to better understand and support individuals with autism. We prioritize articles that offer practical guidance, research updates, and expert insights.
Support and Compassion
We aim to create a compassionate and supportive environment for our readers. Articles should offer emotional support, share personal stories, and foster community among autism parents and caregivers.
Advocacy and Awareness
We believe in advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with autism and their families. Our content will raise awareness about autism-related issues, highlight successful advocacy efforts, and promote inclusivity.
Balanced Perspectives
While we respect diverse viewpoints, we will not promote content that endorses harmful or pseudoscientific therapies, treatments, or approaches. All articles must align with evidence-based practices and ethical guidelines.
Content Guidelines
All contributors must follow the guidelines below:
Article Types
We publish a wide range of content, including articles, interviews, personal stories, expert columns, reviews, and research summaries. All submissions must relate to autism and align with our editorial objectives.
Accuracy and Credibility
Authors are expected to provide accurate information and cite credible sources. Fact-checking and peer review may be conducted before publication.
Originality
We welcome original content that has not been published elsewhere. Authors must disclose if their submission has been submitted to other publications.
Clarity and Accessibility
Articles should be written in clear, jargon-free language to ensure accessibility to a broad audience. Technical terms should be explained when necessary.
Copyright and Permissions
Authors must obtain permission for any copyrighted material (e.g., images, quotes) used in their articles and provide appropriate attributions.
Article Length
Submissions should be between 600-1 300 words. We welcome both shorter and longer articles. Personal narratives should ideally stay below 1,000 words, though exceptions may be considered. Please note that titles and content may be edited for marketability and readability.
Submission Guidelines
Submissions are assessed based on their relevance, integrity, credibility, readability, and value to the autism community. Articles will not be chosen if the subject has been recently covered, it doesn't serve the best interests of our readers, or if it poses legal concerns for the magazine. Please be mindful of your language, avoiding terms such as "cure," "epidemic," "devastating disease," and similar negative terminology, which may not align with our readers' needs.
All contributors must follow the following submission guidelines.
Submission Process
Email: Send your submission to our Magazine Editor at [email protected].
Email Subject Line: Use the format "Submission, [Your Last Name]" (e.g., Submission, Jones).
Formatting: Please use 11pt Calibri font or another easily legible typeface. Save your article with your name and working title, attach it to the email, and send it directly to the editor.
Biography: Include a short bio in the third person and attach a headshot if possible. Add your professional titles to the byline and the bio (e.g., Jim Jones, MD).
Links: Include hyperlinked links to your website, products (if applicable), and social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) at the end of your article.
Images: If you wish to include images, attach them in high-resolution jpg format and paste them into the document (either at the beginning or end). Note that we may not use all submitted photographs. Ensure you have the right to use any submitted photos, whether they are your own or obtained from a third party or website. If individuals, especially children, are depicted in the images, you must have their/their guardians' permission to publish their images. Provide a statement granting Autism Parenting Magazine permission to use your images.
Selection and Editing
Selected pieces will be edited for readability and respectful language. Authors will be credited with their work by listing their names under the title and at the end of the article in the biography.
Communication with the Editor
Please refrain from excessive emailing or social media inquiries about the status of your article. The editor is not obliged to explain the selection or rejection of articles.
Publication and Feedback
If your work is selected, you will be notified by email and receive a complimentary 12-month digital subscription to Autism Parenting Magazine. Not all submissions will be published. Authors will be informed when their article is promoted on our blog.
Submission Agreement
By submitting an article, you confirm your agreement with our Submission Agreement.
Checklist
Before submitting, ensure that you have completed the following:
Your article aligns with our subject and length guidelines.
You have attached a Microsoft Word doc to your email.
Your article is in 11pt Calibri Font or another clear typeface.
You have reviewed your spelling and grammar (set review language to American if possible).
You included a third-person bio with titles at the end of the piece.
If you include photographs, they are high-resolution jpg for which you have the necessary permissions.
Your email subject line follows "Submission, [Your Last Name]."
Note: We appreciate your understanding in respecting the editor's communication guidelines and acknowledge that articles may be scheduled for publication several months in advance. Once published, we will provide you with a free digital copy of the issue containing your article. By submitting an article, you grant Autism Parenting Magazine permission to use your work in an issue as we see fit.