"Having Down syndrome is like being born normal. I am just like you and you are just like me. We are all born different ways, this is the way I can describe it. I have a normal life" (Burke, C., n.d.). When it comes to special education, one must always remember that exceptional students are different, not less. In the following studies, the various strengths and weaknesses of the language and communication of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are examined and discussed. Language is defined as the spoken or written method of human communication, consisting of the use of words, in a structured or conventional manner. Communication is the interaction or exchange of information or news (Webster, 2013). Down syndrome, a genetic disorder, is the most common cause of intellectual disability and occurs on average in one in 700 births (CDS, 2006). This disorder is caused by the extra chromosome 21 (also known as trisomy 21). According to Hassold and Sherman (2002), the likelihood of giving birth to a child with DS is not related to any race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. Maternal age appears to be the only etiological factor that can cause DS. Some characteristics of DS are: deep creases at the corners of the eyes, hypotonia, short stature, flexible joints, small oral cavity, and heart defects (Taylor, Richards, & Brady, 2005). Most individuals with Down syndrome have moderate intellectual disability, although there is a range of disabilities from severe to high-functioning (IQ greater than 70). Because DS is a birth defect and not a disease, there are no treatment options. Improvement can be achieved through doctors, special education, physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and psychologists...... middle of document ......sek J. (2009). Linguistic characteristics in individuals with Down syndrome. National Institutes of Health. pp.112-132.Lecas, J., Mazaud A., & Reibel, E.(2011). Using visual strategies to support verbal comprehension in adolescents with Down syndrome. Child Language Teaching and Therapy 27(1) 84-96. Vilaseca, R. & Del Rio M. (2004). Language acquisition by children with Down syndrome: A naturalistic approach to assist in language acquisition. Child language teaching and therapy pp. 163-180. Adamson, L., Bakerman, R., Deckner, D. & Romskey, M. (2008). Joint engagement and language emergence in children with autism and Down syndrome. Cleave, P., Bird, E., Czutrin, R., & Smith, L.(2012) A Longitudinal Study of Narrative Development in Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome. Intellectual and developmental disabilities. pp. 332-342.page 11