Christine Flintoft-Smith is the Head of Autism Accreditation and Projects at the National Autistic Society. She has worked in the field of autism for over 20 years, dedicating her career to improving the lives of autistic people through direct support and strategic influence. Her experience spans a wide range of settings, including school-to-adult transitions, young persons’ inclusion projects, adult support services, university student support and employment initiatives.

Christine’s journey led her to become an accreditation consultant and then head of the department, where she now uses her knowledge and experience to support the recognition and improvement of autism practice across multiple sectors through the National Autistic Society. 
In her current role, Christine and her team collaborate closely with autistic people, their families and practising professionals to ensure that best practice principles are shaped and driven by those with lived experience. She believes that shared learning and development is key to moving practice forward and creating meaningful change.

Passionate about sharing best practice, Christine actively works with professionals worldwide, helping schools, services and organisations enhance their support for autistic individuals. She has authored and featured in numerous articles offering practical guidance on accessibility, employment support and effective service delivery. Christine is also a seasoned speaker, having presented at major events such as Autism Europe and The Autism Show, where she continues to advocate for inclusive and impactful autism practices.