Down Syndrome Research and Practice
Reviewers Guidelines

Journal aims

Down Syndrome Research and Practice publishes news, reviews and peer-reviewed scientific papers of importance to the quality of life of people with Down syndrome. The journal's coverage is multidisciplinary and emphasises the practical implications of research findings.

The journal aims to inform researchers, education and health professionals and the families of people with Down syndrome of research findings and the implications for practice. The journal offers a unique focus for interdisciplinary communication with a central focus on practical outcomes for people living with Down syndrome.

Policies and content guidelines

Please refer to our Publication Policies and Editorial Guidelines for details of policies and content guidelines.

Review purpose

We ask reviewers to provide us with an expert opinion regarding the quality of submissions to the journal and to provide feedback that is constructive for authors. The questions that it is helpful for reviewers to consider include:

• What does the paper seek to communicate and is it important?
• Are the study design, methodology and data analysis sound?
• Are the results or ideas presented in the paper new?
• Are the results or ideas properly placed in the context of the previous literature?
• Do the results presented support the conclusions of the paper?
• Would any further studies or additional information improve the paper?
• Who would find this paper of interest? Why?
• Have the authors avoided the use of potentially devaluing terminology for people with learning difficulties?
• If the paper is considered unsuitable for publication as submitted, does it show sufficient potential to encourage resubmission?

Confidentiality

The review process is confidential and should be treated as such by reviewers. Reviewers should not discuss contributions with anyone not involved in the editorial process, including colleagues or other experts in the field.

Review time

We ask that reviewers complete reviews within 8 weeks. Wherever possible, a quicker response is appreciated.

Anonymity

Down Syndrome Research and Practice permits open (non-anonymous) peer review when authors and reviewers consent. If authors or reviewers do not wish to have their name revealed, they can request to remain anonymous.

Competing interests

As far as possible we respect requests by authors to exclude reviewers whom they consider to be unsuitable. We also, as much as possible, try to rule out those reviewers who may have an obvious competing interest, such as those who may have been collaborators on other projects with the authors of the manuscript under review, those who may be direct competitors, those who may have a known history of antipathy with the author(s), or those who might profit financially from the work. Because it is not possible for all such competing interests to be known, we request that reviewers who recognise a potential competing interest inform the journal staff and decline a review request if they feel that are unable to offer an impartial review.