Relationship Between Kanji Writing Performance of Children with Learning Disabilities and Visual Copying Process

Abstract

We investigate the relationship between the writing performance of 63 children with learning disabilities who have difficulty in acquiring Kanji writing, and six processes related to visually copying Kanji samples. We conducted a correlation analysis between Kanji writing performance and the ability required for each process of visual copying, the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test （copying and recalling after 3 minutes） and Kanji reading performance. The results indicated that the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test（delayed recall）and Kanji reading performance were correlated. Moreover, logistic regression analysis showed that only the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test （delayed recall） scores indicated the Kanji writing impairment’ severity. Furthermore, the abilities required for each of the visual copying processes, except kinesthetic sense, were correlated with the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test （delayed recall, recalling after 3 minutes, and copying） scores, suggesting that abilities required for visual copying are related to figure copying ability, short-term memory for figures, and delayed recall.