Abstract
This study involved semi-structured interviews with an aim to identify the process of developing relationships between children with autistic spectrum disorder and their siblings who live together. The constant comparison method was used to analyze the interview data obtained from 10 siblings of autistic children aged between 10-22 years old using a qualitative and inductive approach, and the validity and consistency of the analysis were confirmed by two healthy adult siblings. As the results, [relationships that maintain an appropriate distance to the world of the autistic child] was extracted from 9 categories. The subjects recognized the "unique world view of their sibling with autism" and "difficulties understanding the world of the sibling", and showed "compassion towards the sibling", although they felt "communication difficulties", "emotional distance that never lessens", and "conflict over the behavior of the sibling". They also perceived the sibling as an "inseparable presence" after "positively accepting his/her favorable changes", and developed and promoted a "relationship that is not too close nor too distant" by mutual interactions. Healthy siblings tried to secure their lives and identity and those of the autistic child by maintaining this relationship.
