This family portrait (main head picture) was drawn by a boy, six, whose mother thought he was was 'possessed by a monkey spirit'.
There has been no diagnosis done by a hospital yet and his case is still pending.
However, note the disproportionate black eyes and the distorted figure. Therapists say that when this boy comes in for therapy, it is obvious that he is mentally disturbed, and he often engages in confused self talk. He also hallucinates.
Possible abuse victim
This is a drawing (above) by a boy, seven, suspected of being the victim of sexual abuse by his 'big brother' - a family friend - whom he drew bigger than the rest.
He only drew legs on the figures and himself into the picture when asked to do so.
He exhibits bizzare behavioural issues, like urinting on the floor, playing with fire, using objects to poke his sister's genitals as well as playing with his own. He's also a bed wetter.
Younger mental age
From the picture (above), this eight-year-old girl has a projected mental age of five, almost three years younger than she actually is.
At this age, say therapists, most children should be able to draw figures in proportion, with the trunk clearly and distinctly drawn with limbs attached at correct positions.
Analyses:Dr K.H. Chia, Madam Salenah Mohd Ismail, Madam Loke Ying Ying, Madam Christabel Hong (counselling psychologist)
This story was first published in The Mind Your Body supplement on Mar 26, 2008.
