The number of publications about high potential (HP) children has been increasing during the last few years. From the clinical observations by psychologists of this population, thesepublicationsoften describe their cognitive-behavioral profile. Nevertheless, many of them do not ask for a psychological consult because they show no behavioral troubles at home or at school. In addition, these children profile without any obvious difficulty is not documented in scientific literature and then is still unknown. This is the premise of F. Nusbaum (2013), who has developed the heterogeneous HP profile. According to her, these two profiles differ from a behavioral and a cognitive point of view. Neurosciences have confirmed this clinical information thanks to cerebral imaging technology (Sappey-Marinier, Nusbaum & Revol, 2010).
Heterogeneous-profile HPchildren are characterized by theirremarkable curiosity and by their attentional and psychomotor vulnerability. They show a special thinking pattern that allows them to associate numerous concepts in a short time and a high emotivity. These attributes make them especially creative but little efficient in terms of planning functions, which can be easily identified from their results at Weschler psychometric tests (WISC). Indeed, they get higher scores compared to standard children but their heterogeneous profile doesn’t allow computing an IQ. The cerebral imaging shows that they use more their left cerebral hemisphere (speech area) whereas prefrontal areas (reasoning, planning, inhibition areas) tend to be less activated. Complex profile high potential childrenare appealing as they are described as sensitive, endearing as well as temperamental. Their variable behavior often results in a social non-adjustment that can lead to difficulties at school, behavior disorders or social withdrawal.
Homogeneous profile HP children are described as openminded and enjoying novelty in a less crucial way than heterogeneous profile children. Intellectually, they are known for their high analytic reasoning velocity and efficiency in their favorite fields. These children do not like exposing themselves until they do not fully master a field of knowledge. Their development is synchronous. Their IQ scores are homogeneous and above 130 at Weschler scales. The cerebral imaging shows intense activation of prefrontal areas, which reveals excellent planning functions. In practice, they have no difficulties with applying rules but turn to be easily anxious when they cannot anticipate on future events. Homogeneous profile HP children are also described as friendly, empathic and very sensitive, which makes them socially adapted children with a high sense of justice. They accept being different from others but their self-demanding attitude is a real source of anxiety.
According to Nusbaum, what is at stake with the distinction of the profiles is helping heterogeneous profile HP children moving to a more harmonious functioning through a cognitive and behavioral training. Such programs aim at helping them develop their potential and improve their every- day well-being.
Keywords: High potential children, heterogeneous profile, homogeneous profile
Words we have learned:
Besides = De plus, en plus, outre
Appealing = attrayant, attirant, intéressant.
Endearing = Attachant
Openminded = ouvert d’esprit
Stake = enjeu
By Audrey Bianeis, Ximena Boisier and Véronique Ruiz