ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how an attachment perspective can help us think about ‘safety’, ‘danger’, and ‘risk’, not just in terms of the physical, but also emotional and relational dangers. The loss of affection, loneliness, and isolation are amongst the greatest dangers that we can experience. The following chapter uses the example of autism, to discuss children’s challenges and dilemmas in the context of feelings of safety, particularly in terms of managing transitions between home and school. It illustrates these issues with reference to a novel approach developed: SAFE with Schools (SwiS), an attachment-narrative based systemic family therapy programme, for parents and teachers of autistic children, which explores how caregivers might work together to improve the experience of safety and care for children, parents, and teachers.
