In addition, keep in mind that there's a huge difference between overall intelligence and specific learning disorders. If a child with Down's Syndrome suffers from a particular learning disorder, using a teaching method targeted to that disorder saves both time and frustration, allowing your child to succeed much easier.

The first thing to keep in mind is what a child with Down's Syndrome needs in order to grow as healthy as possible.

From the time that he or she is a newborn, supplements with DHA and AA will help maximize brain development and improve overall intelligence to a large degree.

In addition, paying close attention to the child's blood levels of iron, iodine, selenium, zinc and overall thyroid function will help avoid any nutrient issues that could impair brain development. Just by paying attention to specialized nutrition needs, you may be able to improve your child's intelligence quotient by a whole category.

Will a child with Down's Syndrome function as well in our current culture and society as one without Down's Syndrome?

That depends on several factors, not least of which is the severity of the condition and the support available during formative years.

However, children with Down's Syndrome statistically develop much better when their parents, teachers and caregivers believe that the child can succeed.

Historically, many people with Down's Syndrome weren't taught subjects that they probably could have learned due to mistaken beliefs in limitations that didn't actually exist. This is one of the reasons that individual evaluation and targeted care are so incredibly important.

<>Other points of interest for anyone involved in the care of a child with Down's Syndrome are the new types of medications and therapies being tested for developmental improvement.

New lines of research are being followed on a constant basis to treat the developmental problems of Down's Syndrome through both pharmaceutical and behavioural therapy. Keeping current with these developments should be a priority for anyone involved with a child with Down's Syndrome, as they promise to continually improve the level of care and benefit we can offer to our kids.

IQ Scores are not the end all

The last thing to remember is that IQ scores are only indicative of a narrow band of intelligence types, namely analytical, mathematical intelligence. IQ says nothing about emotional intelligence, potential for wisdom or depth of soul, and it never will.

IQ also says nothing about how happy anyone can be throughout life, it only gives a general indication of how much help they'll need. With your help, a child with Down's Syndrome is more than capable of a happy life.

ABOUT AUTHOR:
Donald has a child with Down Syndrome and has written much on Down Syndrome IQ, Intelligence and mental retardation, and the need for early intervention and treatment from a young age.