What term refers to a child who has developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual?

The term that describes a child who demonstrates abilities or talents earlier than their peers is "precocious." This word is often used in contexts such as education or development, where a child may excel in areas like language, mathematics, or artistic skills at a younger age than typically expected. Recognizing precociousness is important, as it can inform appropriate educational approaches and developmental support tailored to the child’s advanced abilities.

The other options don’t align with this definition. Normal implies typical development without any early signs of advanced abilities. Delayed refers to a situation where a child is not reaching developmental milestones at the expected times, which is the opposite of precocious. Timid describes a personality trait associated with shyness or lack of confidence, not necessarily linked with early development of skills or abilities. Thus, "precocious" is the most accurate term in this context.