Normal for a 2 year old?

[jacksmom]

My son just turned 2. He has limited vocabulary (maybe 25 words) but seems to understand everything we say to him. He seems to be very intelligent for his age. He can say most of the letters of the alphabet, and can point out numbers or colors correctly when asked. His pediatrician seemed amazed by this fact. He is very content with his immediate family, but when approached by a stranger or someone he doesn't see regularly, he just waves and screams, "Buh-Bye!".  He can entertain himself for hours with cars, blocks, opening cabinets, etc. His newest fascination is with running water (toilet flushing, wanting to brush his teeth to play in the sink/faucet. He is very loving with me, my husband and his grandmother who watches him full time. He does not like to be involved in any type of play with other kids at all. He will laugh at children playing but will not join them. He seems more content to be alone with his own toys. At birthday parties with other children, he stays by himself and will leave the room when other children try to play with him. He has always developed ahead of schedule on motor skills (sat up at 51/2 months, walked at 9 3/4 months) but the speech delay seems really behind the norm. He is also very big for his age. Turned 2 yesterday and is 36.5 inches tall and weighs 32.5 lbs. He has always been around the 95th % on growth charts. He also seems to get very frustrated by things. He throws his toys when angry and hits me or his father. He also will grit his teeth, make fists and shake and turn red sometimes.
As his mother, of course I am worried. I just have a feeling that he is "different" from other kids. I just can't put my finger on it. Any ideas? Does this seem normal for his age?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

None of what you are describing is cause for concern. Are you receiving any feedback (e.g., from the pediatrician) that anything is out of the ordinary for his age? Remember, developmental norms illustrate a spectrum, and there is a wide spectrum of normal. The 'average' is comprised of measurements along this spectrum, and every child shows some unevenness in development. A child may be 'ahead' of the norms in some areas, and 'behind' the norms in others. That is par for the course. Be sure to discipline your son (preferably by time out) for any instance when he hits you. This behavior should not be tolerated, or addressed simply by verbal reprimands.

[LittleMar19]

Maybe you should set up a play date for him or something. I wouldnt be to concerned I think he might just be shy. My friend's son who is the same age as him she said he probably wont even be able to go to preschool next year because the school would be calling her. She wants to babysit or something so he is around kids his age. Try that and if it doesnt work out then talk to your peditrition. Also she is having a hard time potty training him so that might be a hold back.

[LittleMar19]

ignore my comments to u. I didnt read the whole post(I mean read most of it.) sorry about that.][[[[[]