The purpose of this study was to look at the effect of the calligraphy art therapy using animal hieroglyphic on the development of visual-perception for adolescents with mental retardation.
As a result, there was no significant changes in A's scores on the K-DTVP-2 except on the sub-test of visual-motor coordination, in which the score was increased from 45 to 75. However, based on the observation of her drawing skills in each session, A showed qualitative changes in the following areas through the course of therapy; copying, completing a picture, rubbing a chinese ink-stick, drawing an animal using both straight and curved lines.
In the case of B, his scores were increased significantly on the both GVP and MRP among K-DTVP-2 subtests. In addition, B's score on theVMI was located within average range with out changes from pre-test. In terms of drawing skills, B has obtained abilities in the following areas; copying the letters with pen and brush, rubbing a chinese ink-stick while sitting right, expressing his thoughts in drawing, drawing things in his memory.
Based on the results, it was confirmed that the structured stepwise calligraphy art therapy using animal-hierglyphic which was developed specifically for adolescents with 1st degree mental retardation, was effective in promoting visual perception for this population.
Key Words: Adolescents with Mental Retardation, Calligraphy Art Therapy, Development of Visual-Perceptio