Abstract
The purpose of this research is to consider the development of Masaki, a middle school boy with autism, to an acceptance of others in his age group at his after-school program facility as "friends " from the self-conscious point of view expressed in "I am me" and "I among all" and to consider meanings of Masaki's relationships with those around him. Masaki's introverted style had developed from an early stage and his self-consciousness, expressed as "I am me," was solidly established, but he was defensive and unable to accept others. Use of stick finders as a means of interaction with others allowed Masaki to develop interactive relationships inside him, and enriched his interactive relationships with others. As a result, Masaki learned to have communication with others. It was not handling of his difficulty but passive communication with those around him and their joy in his growth had allowed Masaki to breathe life into the interactive relationships within him.
