Dr. Saeed Sadeghi, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, and Dr. Hamid Reza Pouretemad, Professor of Psychology and Head of the Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences at Shahid Beheshti University, have been appointed as Guest Editors of a special issue of the international journal Autism: The International Journal of Research & Practice, published by SAGE.
According to the Public Relations Office of Shahid Beheshti University, the special issue, entitled “Autism and the Criminal Justice System: Research, Practice, and Policy Perspectives,” will examine various dimensions of the interaction between autistic individuals and the criminal justice system.
Autism: The International Journal of Research & Practice is a leading peer-reviewed international journal specializing in autism research. According to the information provided, the journal has an Impact Factor of 5.7.
The special issue aims to advance and deepen the scientific evidence concerning the interaction of autistic individuals with the criminal justice system. It will address topics at the intersection of autism research, psychology, cognitive science, forensic psychology, criminology, law, and public policy.
By bringing together research findings and expert perspectives, the special issue seeks to enhance understanding of the challenges faced by autistic individuals in their encounters with the criminal justice system and to contribute to the development of scientific, equitable, and evidence-based approaches.
The special issue is being led by an international team of experts from Australia, Iran, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Portugal. The participation of two Shahid Beheshti University faculty members in this international team reflects the University’s academic engagement and contribution to current international research and emerging discussions in the field of autism.
Invitation to Iranian Researchers
Faculty members, researchers, professionals, and graduate students from Iran working in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, forensic psychology, criminology, law, sociology, rehabilitation, and public policy who have conducted research on autism and the criminal justice system are invited to submit manuscripts to this special issue.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, autistic individuals’ experiences with the police and judicial system; arrest and interrogation; legal proceedings; psychological and cognitive assessments; testimony and judicial decision-making; victimization; offending; incarceration and rehabilitation; professional training; support needs of autistic individuals; and policies and reforms within the criminal justice system.
Abstract submission deadline: November 1, 2026
Full manuscript submission deadline: March 1, 2027
Expected publication: 2027
Researchers interested in contributing to the special issue can visit the official call for papers on the journal’s website for detailed information about the scope of the issue, submission requirements, and the peer-review and publication process.
This special issue provides an important opportunity for Iranian researchers to strengthen their presence in the international scientific literature on autism and to showcase the country’s research capacities in this field.