Children with Down syndrome have below average intelligence. Many of these children are capable of learning to the point that they can be educated in regular classrooms. Others are not as capable and require care that is more specialized. Early intervention is imperative when it comes to caring for a Down syndrome child regardless of his or her level of intelligence. It has been proven that most Down's children do reach regular childhood milestones up to the age of approximately eight years old but early intervention and treatments is a part of that process. Parents attest to the fact that these children reach their milestones at a much slower pace than regular children who do not have Down syndrome.

Language is the most common lag that is seen in children with Down syndrome. Like all children, Down's children have both good and bad days. Most of these children live well into adulthood. Down's children are capable of being educated, many of them receive vocational training, and are even capable of holding down jobs. The most difficult problem to overcome is the extra large tongue that comes with Down syndrome. Coupled with their extra small mouths, the tongue makes speaking difficult and speaking clearly an even greater obstacle. However, the way a child speaks or form words is not indicative of their level of intelligence and this should not be the case with people who have Down syndrome either.

Another issue regarding intelligence in people who have Down syndrome is that research has shown that they have already suffered major brain cell damage and IQ damage prior to even being born. There have been various medications and vitamins that have been formulated that are designed to help Down syndrome children learn better and faster. However, new research has shown that because of the damage that is done prior to birth, it is not possible to restore those brain cells or to make the child smarter than what they are given at birth.

In addition, there is a brain cell that has been isolated in people with Down syndrome that is specifically responsible for causing a lack of communication between brain cells. Because the nature of Down syndrome is that there is extra genetic material in the cells, this means that there is also extra of these specific brain cells as well. Clearly, research shows that there is an over abundance of these cells that cause communication glitches in the brains of Down syndrome people making it more difficult to overcome the language and communication barriers.

The important issue to keep in mind about Down syndrome people and their level of intelligence is to help them to play upon their strong points. It is apparent that their weak spots may not be able to get stronger but their strong points can get stronger. This may allow them to compensate for some areas that are lacking but obviously not all of them. They are going to have areas where they are clearly below average level of intelligence however, this does not change the fact they most of these individuals are capable of having a long and productive life.