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.

Submission Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in having your work featured in Autism Parenting Magazine. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to publish or not publish any articles or other materials (known as Content) that you submit to us. Before we can accept any Content from you, please confirm you have read and agree to our Submissions Guidelines and Submission Agreement, which will govern any Content accepted for publication in Autism Parenting Magazine, the autismparentingmagazine.com website, or any other Autism Parenting Magazine social media platform. Please sign and date the release form at the end.

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 submissions (articles or pictures) are submitted in good faith and have not been previously published anywhere else. There is no guarantee that your article will be used in a future issue, and if used, we reserve the right to choose whether or not we publish that article on the website. It is the prerogative of Autism Parenting Magazine to decide which stories will be used. Autism Parenting Magazine or any individual associated with these entities, directly or indirectly, cannot be held liable for any submissions lost in transit, previously published without our knowledge, or not used in a future issue.

All contributors must follow the following submission guidelines:

Accuracy and Credibility

Authors are expected to provide accurate information and cite credible sources. Include all resources at the end of your article as references in APA citation format. Fact-checking and peer review may be conducted before publication.

Article Length

Submissions should be between 800 and 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.

Article Types

We publish a wide range of content, including articles, personal stories, expert columns, reviews, and research summaries. All submissions must relate to autism and align with our editorial objectives.

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.

Originality

We welcome original content that has not been published elsewhere. Authors must disclose if their submission has been submitted to other publications.

Submission Process

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., Bob Jones, MD).

Include hyperlinked links to your website and social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) at the end of your article.

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.

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 signed and dated release form (see Submission Agreement below) giving permission to Autism Parenting Magazine to use your images.

Guidelines for Submitting Pictures: If we choose to use the image you submit, we require you to make sure you are comfortable with us using these images in our magazine, across our website, digital footprint, and other places where we can raise awareness of autism and help other parents and families.

Here are some of the finer points of which you should be aware:

1. You agree that we can use the images in conjunction with the article submitted. Publication of these pictures will include your name and other pertinent information relevant to the picture.
2. You provide your pictures and article with no intention of receiving any financial commitment or reward since this is on a voluntary basis.

References: If your article provides authoritative information, you have included references in APA citation format.

Selection and Editing

Selected pieces will be edited for readability and respectful language. Authors will be credited with their work by listing their name 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, and if they are, we reserve the right to choose which will be published on the website.

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.
• If your article provides authoritative information, you have included references in APA citation format.
• Your email subject line follows "Submission, [Your Last Name]."
• You have read through all the information herein and have signed, dated, and submitted the Release Form

Note: We appreciate your understanding and respect for the editor's communication guidelines. We acknowledge that articles may be scheduled for publication several months in advance. By submitting an article, you grant Autism Parenting Magazine permission to use your work in an issue as we see fit.

Submission Agreement

1. All articles must conform to our Submission Guidelines.
2. Autism Parenting Magazine reserves the right to determine whether the article submissions are appropriate and in accordance with this Agreement for reasons other than those stated in this provision.
3. Autism Parenting Magazine reserves the right to review and approve the suitability of the submitted Content. We may select or omit any image and text provided for any reason or no reason at all at our discretion.
4. In exchange for publishing your Content, you grant Autism Parenting Magazine a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to any piece of Content you submit to us, including the right to use, publish, modify, distribute, and display the Content in any manner and on any medium existing now or hereafter.
5. You will retain ownership of the copyright in the Content submitted, subject to the rights granted to Autism Parenting Magazine in this Agreement. However, if you decide to republish the Content that has been edited by Autism Parenting Magazine elsewhere, you agree to include the following disclosure: “Originally published by Autism Parenting Magazine at www.AutismParentingMagazine.com.”
6. Articles commissioned and edited by the Autism Parenting Magazine staff may not be redistributed by you without advance permission (prior to the article being edited). If agreed in advance, Content republished should contain the following text: "Originally published by Autism Parenting Magazine at www.AutismParentingMagazine.com."
7. If your Content is accepted for publication, please understand we make no promises, representations, or warranties whatsoever regarding the level of exposure that you or your Content will receive, including whether or not we publish this on the website. You agree we have no duty to you under this Agreement, or under any law, or in equity, in connection with any of your Content we may use.
8. Affiliate relationships between the writer and recommended products must be disclosed before proposal and article submission. Autism Parenting Magazine reserves the right to include its own affiliate links in the articles and display relevant advertising both on the website and the magazine.
9. By submitting your article, you agree you will not be directly compensated for your Content. Autism Parenting Magazine will, however, include links to any publications, social media profiles, email addresses, or websites you may have in the bio. The bio can contain up to 250 words.
10. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to (a) edit the Content, (b) supplement the Content with our trade names, trademarks, and with Content provided by us or by third parties, (c) remove the Content from autismparentingmagazine.com; and (d) commercially benefit from the Content. 
11. Our site receives significant traffic and is accessible to anyone on the Internet, so you should not provide us with any private Content. Anything posted on our site will be available to anyone on the Internet. You are solely responsible for any legal or other repercussions from your Content posted on our site. We assume no responsibility or liability that may arise from your Content. We are under no obligation to modify or delete your Content once it is posted on our site.
12. By submitting your article, you warrant that the Content is an original work you have created and must indicate whether it has been published elsewhere.
13. Be aware that Content, including photographs and pictures, remains the property of the creator or submitter. You should not submit or reproduce such without permission of the owner. Pictures or photographs of living individuals, except your minor children, must not be posted without their consent.
14. Submitted Content should not express or imply untrue, false, or misleading statements of fact. It must not infringe on any third party's copyrights, trademarks, or rights. By submitting your Content to us, you guarantee it does not contain any defamatory, libelous, obscene, threatening, abusive, harassing, or any similarly unlawful material. 

By submitting an article and/or pictures and signing and dating the Release Form, you confirm your agreement with our Submission Guidelines and Submission Agreement.