Like all people, individuals with Down syndrome learn and develop at their own rate and in their own way. People with Down syndrome have different goals for their futures and individual hopes of their roles in the family, school and community. They are able to graduate school and some can get smaller jobs to make money for themselves as they grow older but may still need support from family and friends.

Down syndrome is not a blueprint for potential or a prescription for a given educational or life plan. People with Down syndrome for the most part can do what we can do. However, people with Down syndrome often experience mild to moderate delays in their cognitive and physical development and research has shown that educational and therapeutic interventions (such as early intervention services) can greatly benefit learners with Down syndrome.