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Academic Article Guidelines

Comprehensive guidelines for preparing and submitting academic articles to Hayden's Hub advocacy platform

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Introduction

Welcome to Hayden's Hub's academic article guidelines. Our platform aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application in supporting youth with special needs. We publish high-quality, evidence-based articles that contribute to the understanding and advancement of inclusive practices, interventions, and policies.

These guidelines are designed to help authors prepare manuscripts that align with our mission and meet our publication standards. By following these guidelines, you will help ensure that your submission moves smoothly through our review process and, if accepted, reaches our audience in the most effective format.

Our Publication Philosophy

At Hayden's Hub, we believe that research should be:

  • Accessible — Written in language that is clear and understandable to both academic and non-academic audiences
  • Actionable — Providing insights that can be applied in real-world settings
  • Inclusive — Respecting and representing diverse perspectives and experiences
  • Rigorous — Based on sound methodology and ethical research practices
  • Relevant — Addressing current challenges and opportunities in supporting youth with special needs

We particularly encourage submissions that center the voices and experiences of youth with special needs and their families, and that promote strengths-based approaches to support and inclusion.

Article Types

Hayden's Hub accepts several types of academic articles. Please identify which category your submission falls under, as the requirements and review process may vary accordingly:

Original Research

Empirical studies using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches.

Word count: 4,000-6,000 words

Structure: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion

Literature Reviews

Systematic or narrative reviews synthesizing existing research on a specific topic.

Word count: 5,000-7,000 words

Structure: Introduction, Methods, Findings, Discussion, Implications

Practice Insights

Articles describing innovative programs, interventions, or approaches with preliminary evidence of effectiveness.

Word count: 3,000-5,000 words

Structure: Background, Program Description, Implementation, Outcomes, Lessons Learned

Policy Analysis

Critical examinations of existing or proposed policies affecting youth with special needs.

Word count: 3,000-5,000 words

Structure: Policy Context, Analysis Framework, Findings, Recommendations

Theoretical Papers

Articles proposing new conceptual frameworks or theoretical perspectives.

Word count: 4,000-6,000 words

Structure: Introduction, Theoretical Background, Framework Development, Applications, Conclusion

Perspective Pieces

Scholarly opinion pieces on current issues, written by experts in the field.

Word count: 2,000-3,000 words

Structure: Flexible, but should include clear position and supporting evidence

Special Considerations

We also welcome:

  • Participatory Research — Studies conducted in collaboration with youth with special needs and/or their families
  • Case Studies — In-depth examinations of specific programs, interventions, or individual experiences
  • Research Briefs — Shorter summaries (1,500-2,000 words) of research findings with clear practical implications

If your submission does not clearly fit into one of these categories, please contact our editorial team at research@haydenshub.org to discuss your proposal.

Submission Process

Step 1: Pre-submission Inquiry (Optional)

Authors are welcome to submit a brief pre-submission inquiry to gauge whether their article aligns with our current publication priorities. This should include a tentative title, abstract (250 words maximum), and brief author bio. Send inquiries to research@haydenshub.org.

Step 2: Initial Submission

To submit your full manuscript, please use our online submission portal at https://external-submission-form.com. You will need to create an account if you don't already have one.

Your initial submission should include:

  • Cover letter (see details below)
  • Manuscript file in Microsoft Word format (.docx)
  • Tables and figures as separate files (if applicable)
  • Author information page (separate from manuscript)
  • Completed conflict of interest disclosure form
  • Supplementary materials (if applicable)

Cover Letter Requirements

Your cover letter should include:

  • Article title and type
  • Brief summary of the article's contribution to the field (1-2 paragraphs)
  • Statement confirming that the manuscript is not under consideration elsewhere
  • Declaration of any conflicts of interest
  • Suggestions for potential reviewers (optional)
  • Any special considerations for review

Step 3: Initial Screening

All submissions undergo an initial screening by our editorial team to ensure they meet our basic requirements and align with our mission. This typically takes 1-2 weeks. You will be notified if your submission is declined at this stage or moved forward to peer review.

Step 4: Peer Review

Manuscripts that pass initial screening are sent for peer review. Our review process typically involves 2-3 reviewers, including academic experts and practitioners in relevant fields. We aim to complete the review process within 6-8 weeks.

Step 5: Editorial Decision

Based on reviewer feedback, the editorial team will make one of the following decisions:

  • Accept — The manuscript is accepted with minimal or no revisions
  • Minor Revisions — The manuscript requires small changes before acceptance
  • Major Revisions — Substantial changes are needed, and the revised manuscript will undergo additional review
  • Reject — The manuscript is not suitable for publication in Hayden's Hub

Step 6: Revision and Resubmission

Authors of manuscripts requiring revisions will typically have 4 weeks for minor revisions or 8 weeks for major revisions. When resubmitting, please include a detailed response to reviewer comments explaining how you have addressed each point.

Step 7: Final Decision and Production

Once your manuscript is accepted, it will enter our production process. You will receive proofs to review before final publication. The typical timeframe from acceptance to publication is 4-6 weeks.

Formatting Guidelines

Proper formatting ensures consistency across publications and facilitates the review process. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

General Formatting

  • File format: Microsoft Word (.docx)
  • Page size: 8.5 x 11 inches (Letter)
  • Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
  • Line spacing: Double-spaced throughout
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
  • Alignment: Left-aligned (not justified)
  • Page numbers: Bottom center of each page
  • Headers: Include a shortened title (50 characters or less) in the header

Title Page

The title page should be submitted as a separate file and include:

  • Full title (concise but informative, maximum 15 words)
  • Running title (shortened version, maximum 50 characters)
  • All authors' full names and institutional affiliations
  • Corresponding author's contact information (email, phone, postal address)
  • Word count (excluding abstract, references, tables, and figures)
  • Number of tables and figures
  • Funding information
  • Conflict of interest statement
  • Acknowledgments

Manuscript File

To facilitate blind review, the manuscript file should not contain any identifying information. Please ensure:

  • No author names or affiliations appear in the manuscript
  • Self-citations are written in the third person ("Smith et al. found..." rather than "We found...")
  • File properties and metadata are cleared of identifying information

Headings

Use the following heading structure:

  • Level 1: Centered, Bold, Title Case
  • Level 2: Left-Aligned, Bold, Title Case
  • Level 3: Indented, Bold, Sentence case, ending with a period.
  • Level 4: Indented, Bold, Italicized, Sentence case, ending with a period.
  • Level 5: Indented, Italicized, Sentence case, ending with a period.

Paragraphs

  • Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches (1.27 cm)
  • Do not add extra space between paragraphs
  • Use a single space after periods and other punctuation marks

Language and Style

  • Use clear, concise language accessible to a multidisciplinary audience
  • Define technical terms and acronyms at first use
  • Use person-first language (e.g., "children with autism" rather than "autistic children") unless identity-first language is specifically preferred by the community being discussed
  • Avoid passive voice when possible
  • Use inclusive language that respects diversity
  • Follow American Psychological Association (APA) style for grammar and usage

File Naming

Use the following naming convention for all files:

  • Manuscript: LastNameFirstAuthor_ShortTitle_Manuscript.docx
  • Title page: LastNameFirstAuthor_ShortTitle_TitlePage.docx
  • Tables: LastNameFirstAuthor_Table1.docx
  • Figures: LastNameFirstAuthor_Figure1.jpg (or appropriate file extension)

Article Structure

While the specific structure may vary by article type, most submissions should include the following components:

Abstract

A structured abstract of 250-300 words should summarize the key aspects of your article. See the Abstract Guidelines section for detailed requirements.

Keywords

Include 4-6 keywords or phrases that accurately represent the content of your article. These should be listed alphabetically below the abstract.

Introduction

The introduction should:

  • Clearly state the problem or question being addressed
  • Provide relevant background and context
  • Explain the significance of the topic for supporting youth with special needs
  • Briefly review key literature (a more extensive review may be included in a separate section)
  • State the purpose and objectives of the article
  • Outline the structure of the article

Literature Review/Background

This section should:

  • Synthesize relevant previous research and theoretical frameworks
  • Identify gaps or limitations in existing knowledge
  • Establish how your article contributes to addressing these gaps
  • Be organized thematically rather than as a chronological list of studies

Methods

For empirical research, the methods section should:

  • Describe the research design and rationale
  • Detail participant characteristics, sampling procedures, and recruitment methods
  • Explain data collection instruments and procedures
  • Outline data analysis approaches
  • Address ethical considerations and approvals
  • Discuss limitations of the methodology

Results/Findings

This section should:

  • Present results clearly and logically, organized by research questions or themes
  • Use tables and figures effectively to complement the text
  • Report both significant and non-significant findings when relevant
  • Include relevant statistical information for quantitative studies
  • Incorporate illustrative quotes or examples for qualitative studies
  • Avoid interpreting results (save this for the discussion)

Discussion

The discussion should:

  • Interpret the findings in relation to the research questions or objectives
  • Compare results with previous research and theoretical frameworks
  • Explain unexpected findings or contradictions
  • Discuss implications for practice, policy, and future research
  • Acknowledge limitations and alternative interpretations

Conclusion

The conclusion should:

  • Summarize the key findings and contributions
  • Emphasize practical implications and applications
  • Suggest directions for future research
  • End with a compelling statement about the significance of the work

References

Follow APA 7th edition format for all references. See the Citations & References section for detailed guidelines.

Special Sections

Depending on your article type, you may also include:

  • Implications for Practice — A dedicated section highlighting practical applications
  • Policy Recommendations — Specific suggestions for policy changes
  • Implementation Considerations — Guidance for applying findings in real-world settings
  • Voices from the Field — Perspectives from practitioners, youth, or families
  • Resources — Additional materials, tools, or references for readers

Abstract Guidelines

A well-written abstract is crucial for helping readers find your article and decide whether to read it in full. All submissions must include a structured abstract of 250-300 words.

Abstract Format

Use the following structure for your abstract, with each section clearly labeled:

For Original Research:

  • Background: Brief context and rationale for the study
  • Objective: Specific aims or research questions
  • Methods: Study design, participants, and key methodological approaches
  • Results: Primary findings
  • Conclusions: Main interpretations and implications
  • Implications: Practical applications for supporting youth with special needs

For Literature Reviews:

  • Background: Context and purpose of the review
  • Methods: Search strategy, inclusion criteria, and analysis approach
  • Results: Summary of key findings from the literature
  • Conclusions: Synthesis of the literature and identified gaps
  • Implications: Relevance for practice, policy, and future research

For Practice Insights:

  • Background: Context and need for the program or approach
  • Program Description: Brief overview of the intervention or practice
  • Implementation: Key aspects of how the program was implemented
  • Outcomes: Observed results and impact
  • Lessons Learned: Key insights and recommendations

For Policy Analysis:

  • Context: Policy background and significance
  • Approach: Analytical framework and methods
  • Findings: Key results of the analysis
  • Recommendations: Proposed policy changes or improvements
  • Impact: Potential effects on youth with special needs

Abstract Writing Tips

  • Write the abstract after completing your manuscript
  • Use clear, concise language with minimal jargon
  • Include specific information rather than vague statements
  • Avoid citations in the abstract
  • Do not include information that doesn't appear in the main text
  • Proofread carefully for errors and clarity

Plain Language Summary

In addition to the structured abstract, please provide a plain language summary (150-200 words) that:

  • Explains the key points of your article in accessible, jargon-free language
  • Highlights the practical relevance for youth with special needs, families, and practitioners
  • Can be understood by readers without specialized knowledge in the field
  • Uses active voice and everyday language

This summary will be featured prominently on our website to make your research accessible to a broader audience.

Citations & References

Hayden's Hub follows the American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition style for citations and references. Please adhere to these guidelines carefully.

In-Text Citations

Basic Format:

  • One author: (Smith, 2020) or Smith (2020)
  • Two authors: (Smith & Jones, 2020) or Smith and Jones (2020)
  • Three or more authors: (Smith et al., 2020) or Smith et al. (2020)
  • Multiple works: (Smith, 2020; Jones, 2019)
  • Direct quote: (Smith, 2020, p. 45)

Reference List

The reference list should:

  • Begin on a new page after the main text
  • Be double-spaced
  • Use a hanging indent format (first line flush left, subsequent lines indented 0.5 inches)
  • List entries alphabetically by author's last name
  • Include DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) when available

Reference Examples

Journal Article:

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), page range. https://doi.org/xxxx

Example:

Johnson, S. L., Chen, M., & Rodriguez, E. (2022). Inclusive education practices for youth with sensory processing differences. Journal of Special Education, 45(3), 112-128. https://doi.org/10.1234/jse.2022.45.3.112

Book:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book. Publisher.

Example:

Wilson, J. (2021). Supporting transitions to adulthood for youth with special needs. Academic Press.

Book Chapter:

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of chapter. In E. E. Editor & F. F. Editor (Eds.), Title of book (pp. page range). Publisher.

Example:

Patel, P., & Thompson, A. (2023). Building inclusive community spaces. In S. Johnson & M. Chen (Eds.), Community-based supports for youth with special needs (pp. 45-67). Oxford University Press.

Website:

Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of page. Site Name. URL

Example:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, March 15). Data and statistics on autism spectrum disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

Report:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of report (Report No. 123). Publisher.

Example:

National Council on Disability. (2021). The state of educational supports for students with disabilities (Report No. 2021-03). U.S. Government Printing Office.

Citation Management

We strongly recommend using reference management software such as:

  • Zotero (free, open-source)
  • Mendeley (free)
  • EndNote (subscription-based)
  • RefWorks (subscription-based)

These tools can help ensure accuracy and consistency in your citations and reference list, and can export references in APA 7th edition format.

Tables & Figures

Tables and figures should enhance understanding of your content without duplicating information in the text. They should be clear, necessary, and accessible.

General Guidelines

  • Number tables and figures consecutively (Table 1, Table 2, Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.)
  • Cite all tables and figures in the text (e.g., "As shown in Table 1..." or "Figure 2 illustrates...")
  • Submit each table and figure as a separate file, in addition to placing them in the manuscript
  • Ensure all tables and figures are necessary and add value to the article
  • Keep tables and figures simple and focused on essential information

Tables

  • Create tables using the table function in Word, not as images or spreadsheets
  • Include a brief, descriptive title above each table
  • Use clear column and row headings
  • Include explanatory notes below the table when necessary
  • Use standard abbreviations and explain any specialized abbreviations in a note
  • Format tables according to APA 7th edition guidelines

Table Example:

Table 1

Participant Demographics by Group (N = 60)

Characteristic Intervention group (n = 30) Control group (n = 30)
Age in years, M (SD) 12.4 (2.3) 12.6 (2.1)
Gender, n (%)
Female 16 (53.3) 15 (50.0)
Male 14 (46.7) 15 (50.0)

Note. M = mean; SD = standard deviation.

Figures

  • Submit figures in high-resolution (minimum 300 dpi) TIFF, PNG, or JPEG format
  • Include a brief, descriptive title below each figure
  • Make figures accessible by using:
    • Clear, legible fonts (minimum 8-point size)
    • High contrast between elements
    • Patterns in addition to colors for distinguishing elements
    • Descriptive legends and labels
  • Include detailed captions that explain the figure and highlight key points
  • Obtain and cite permission for any figures reproduced from other sources

Figure Caption Example:

Figure 1

[Example figure would appear here]

Conceptual framework for inclusive community programming. This figure illustrates the interconnected factors that contribute to successful inclusion of youth with special needs in community settings. Adapted from "Building Inclusive Communities" by P. Patel, 2022, Journal of Community Inclusion, 15(2), p. 78. Copyright 2022 by Community Research Association.

Data Visualization

Effective data visualization is crucial for communicating your findings. Consider these best practices:

  • Choose the appropriate chart type for your data (e.g., bar charts for comparisons, line charts for trends)
  • Avoid 3D effects, excessive gridlines, and other visual clutter
  • Use a consistent color scheme throughout your figures
  • Label axes clearly and include units of measurement
  • Consider accessibility when choosing colors (avoid red/green combinations)
  • Keep figures simple and focused on key messages

Alternative Text for Figures

For each figure, provide alternative text (alt text) that:

  • Describes the figure for readers who cannot see it
  • Includes the essential information conveyed by the figure
  • Is concise (typically 50-150 words)
  • Does not repeat the caption but complements it

Example: "Figure 1 shows a circular diagram with four interconnected factors contributing to inclusive community programming: Physical Environment, Staff Training, Program Design, and Family Engagement. Arrows between all factors indicate bidirectional relationships. The Physical Environment section is highlighted in blue, indicating its foundational role in the framework."

Accessibility Requirements

Hayden's Hub is committed to making research accessible to all readers, including those with disabilities. Please follow these guidelines to ensure your article is accessible:

Document Structure

  • Use proper heading levels in sequential order (H1, H2, H3, etc.)
  • Use built-in formatting tools for lists, tables, and other elements
  • Avoid using text formatting (bold, italic) as the only way to indicate structure
  • Include a logical reading order that screen readers can follow

Text and Language

  • Use clear, plain language whenever possible
  • Define technical terms and acronyms at first use
  • Use descriptive link text (e.g., "Read more about inclusive education" rather than "Click here")
  • Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background

Tables

  • Use simple table structures with clear headers
  • Avoid merged cells when possible
  • Include row and column headers that clearly describe the data
  • Provide a summary of complex tables in the text

Figures and Images

  • Provide alternative text (alt text) for all figures
  • Use high contrast in visual elements
  • Do not rely on color alone to convey information
  • Include descriptive captions
  • Provide data tables for charts and graphs

Multimedia Content

  • Provide transcripts for audio content
  • Include captions for video content
  • Ensure multimedia controls are keyboard accessible

Accessibility Checklist

Before submitting your article, verify that:

  • Document structure uses proper heading levels
  • All images have alternative text
  • Tables have clear headers and simple structure
  • Color is not the only means of conveying information
  • Links have descriptive text
  • Text has sufficient contrast with background
  • All acronyms and technical terms are defined at first use
  • Document can be navigated using keyboard only

Ethical Considerations

Hayden's Hub is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in research and publication. Authors must adhere to the following guidelines:

Research Ethics

  • All research involving human participants must have appropriate ethical approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or equivalent ethics committee
  • Authors must state in the methods section that ethical approval was obtained and provide the name of the approving committee and reference number
  • Research must be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki for medical research or equivalent ethical standards for non-medical research
  • Informed consent must be obtained from all research participants or their legal guardians
  • Special protections must be in place for research involving vulnerable populations, including youth with special needs

Participant Privacy and Confidentiality

  • Protect the privacy and confidentiality of all research participants
  • Use pseudonyms or participant codes rather than real names
  • Remove or alter identifying information in quotes or examples
  • Obtain specific consent for any identifiable information that must be included
  • Be particularly careful with case studies, which may contain potentially identifiable information even when names are changed

Respectful Representation

  • Use respectful, person-first language unless identity-first language is specifically preferred by the community being discussed
  • Avoid deficit-based language that focuses solely on limitations or challenges
  • Represent participants' perspectives accurately and fairly
  • Consider how research findings might impact the communities being studied
  • Acknowledge the expertise of individuals with lived experience

Authorship and Contributions

  • All listed authors must have made substantial contributions to the work
  • Include only those who meet all four criteria for authorship:
    • Substantial contribution to conception, design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation
    • Drafting or critically revising the manuscript
    • Final approval of the version to be published
    • Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work
  • Acknowledge all other contributors who do not meet authorship criteria
  • Consider including youth with special needs and/or their families as co-authors when appropriate

Conflicts of Interest

  • Disclose all potential conflicts of interest, including financial, personal, or professional relationships that could influence the research
  • Complete and submit the Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form with your submission
  • Include a Conflict of Interest statement in your manuscript
  • When in doubt, disclose potential conflicts rather than omitting them

Plagiarism and Duplicate Publication

  • Ensure all content is original or properly cited
  • Do not submit work that has been published elsewhere
  • Clearly identify any content that overlaps with your previously published work
  • Obtain permission to reproduce any copyrighted material

Community-Based Participatory Research

We particularly value research that meaningfully involves youth with special needs and their families. If your research uses participatory approaches:

  • Describe how participants were involved in research design, data collection, analysis, and/or dissemination
  • Explain how power imbalances were addressed
  • Discuss how the research benefited the community
  • Consider co-authorship with community members when appropriate
  • Include community perspectives in the interpretation of findings

Review Process

Understanding our review process can help you prepare a stronger submission and set appropriate expectations for timeline and feedback.

Initial Screening

All submissions undergo an initial screening by our editorial team to assess:

  • Alignment with the journal's scope and mission
  • Adherence to submission guidelines
  • Quality of writing and presentation
  • Potential contribution to the field
  • Ethical compliance

Submissions that do not meet these basic criteria may be returned to authors without further review. This initial screening typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Peer Review

Manuscripts that pass initial screening are sent for peer review. Our review process:

  • Uses a double-blind approach (authors and reviewers are anonymous to each other)
  • Typically involves 2-3 reviewers per manuscript
  • Includes both academic experts and practitioners with relevant expertise
  • May include reviewers with lived experience when appropriate
  • Aims to provide constructive feedback to improve the manuscript

Review Criteria

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on:

  • Relevance to supporting youth with special needs
  • Originality and contribution to the field
  • Methodological rigor and appropriateness
  • Quality of analysis and interpretation
  • Clarity of presentation
  • Practical implications and applications
  • Ethical considerations
  • Accessibility to diverse audiences

Editorial Decision

Based on reviewer feedback, the editorial team will make one of the following decisions:

  • Accept — The manuscript is accepted with minimal or no revisions
  • Minor Revisions — The manuscript requires small changes before acceptance
  • Major Revisions — Substantial changes are needed, and the revised manuscript will undergo additional review
  • Reject — The manuscript is not suitable for publication in Hayden's Hub

Revision Process

If revisions are requested:

  • Authors will receive detailed feedback from reviewers and editors
  • A deadline will be provided for submitting revisions (typically 4 weeks for minor revisions, 8 weeks for major revisions)
  • Authors must submit a response letter addressing each point raised by reviewers
  • Changes in the manuscript should be highlighted or tracked
  • Major revisions will typically undergo another round of peer review

Timeline

Our typical review timeline is:

  • Initial screening: 1-2 weeks after submission
  • Peer review: 6-8 weeks
  • Editorial decision: 1-2 weeks after receiving all reviews
  • Revision period: 4-8 weeks (depending on extent of revisions)
  • Final decision: 2-4 weeks after receiving revisions
  • Publication: 4-6 weeks after acceptance

The total time from submission to publication typically ranges from 3-6 months, depending on the extent of revisions required.

Publication Process

Once your manuscript is accepted, it will enter our publication process. Here's what to expect:

Copyediting

  • Your manuscript will be copyedited for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style
  • Copyeditors will ensure consistency with our style guide
  • You will receive the copyedited manuscript to review and approve changes
  • This is your opportunity to make minor clarifications, but not substantial revisions

Layout and Formatting

  • Your article will be formatted according to our publication template
  • Tables and figures will be placed appropriately within the text
  • Special attention will be given to accessibility features

Proofreading

  • You will receive page proofs to review before final publication
  • Check proofs carefully for any remaining errors or formatting issues