social development of 12 year old boy

Hi, My son is 12 and in a very good school and does very well acadmically. However, for the most part he is a loner other than a few friends that he socializes with once and awhile but not regularly. Now don't get me wrong, he seems very happy and when asked if it bothers him not to interact with the other kids he states "no, he is fine". He tends to not stay with the group and can sometimes be annoying to kids his age, by making noises or other inappropriate comments. I have seen him demonstate this behavior quite regulariy on school field trips, when I talk him places, or just when speaking to him in general. He is not competitive or team oriented at all, as we have tried to expose him to numerous sports with no luck. Which we are trying not to PUSH him. He just likes to build with legos, bike, read, play xbox, watch tv by himself.  For the most part when I take him to interactive places where he has the opportunity to interact with kids his age, he gravitates to babies and plays with younger kids. Conversely, he is very mature around adults, probably because that is who he normally interacts with. He is an only child. My husband avoids social situtations also. I just want to make sure this is normal and ok. or should I have him talk to a therapist. My husband thinks it normal however, I am not so sure.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

No, the situation cannot be regarded as normal. Your son likely displays social anxiety, just as his father does. This condition tends to be genetic. It would be prudent to arrange help for him. The best vehicle would be a social skills group for children his age who display a similar profile.