Abstract
The aim of the present article was to review the published literature in order to organize issues that family members living with a person with autistic spectrum disorder characteristically have and to clarify directions for future support for such family members. The review revealed that psychological issues for family members living with a person with autistic spectrum disorder have been found to be connected to their understanding of the behavior of people with autistic spectrum disorder and the difficulties of interacting with them. In addition, family members have been found to have negative feelings; their daily activities are limited because of the lack of understanding in society of people with autistic spectrum disorder. Possible solutions for improving issues relating to family members living with a person with autistic spectrum disorder are suggested, including acquiring strategies for communicating with the family member with autistic spectrum disorder, and increasing the family members' own self-confidence. The present article concludes that it is important for family members to participate independently in instruction and support for people with autistic spectrum disorder.
