Most young children begin developing language skills at a rapid pace, early in their lives. Children with Down syndrome, the most common known genetic cause of intellectual disability, typically experience delays in language development that persist as they grow older. Parents and teachers can naturally reinforce the language skills of a child with Down syndrome by always responding when the child asks for clarification. Language and literacy interventions for children with Down syndrome should target the following areas: (1) Early communication; (2) Speech skills; (3) Complex language; and (4) Literacy skills. The foundations of language and literacy skills are learned during infancy, and intervention at even very young ages will improve a child's potential for later success. The existing research emphasizes the importance of early--and continued--interventions that focus on language and literacy.