There isn't one single "most intelligent" person with Down syndrome, as intelligence varies, but notable individuals like Pablo Pineda (first with DS to get university degrees in Spain), Sujeet Desai (musician), and Rachel Handlin (MFA recipient) showcase high achievement, demonstrating that people with Down syndrome can excel academically and artistically, challenging traditional IQ measures by focusing on specific talents and broader cognitive abilities.
Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary gives an average IQ of between 50 and 60 for Down's syndrome individuals although IQ scores of 120 have been found in some individuals with the syndrome.
Pablo Pineda
He made history as the first person with Down syndrome to earn a major degree from a regular university in Spain, and he continued to pursue his academic interests by obtaining a diploma in teaching and a BA in Educational Psychology while working in Malaga.
Rachel Handlin is possibly the first person with Down syndrome to receive an MFA, and one of few to hold a bachelor's degree.
Lady Gaga's IQ is widely rumored to be around 166, placing her in the "exceptionally gifted" or genius category, though this is an estimation often cited in celebrity lists, not a officially verified number from a public test. This high estimate is supported by her early academic achievements, like attending a summer program for the top 1% of students, and her demonstrated creative and musical genius as a composer and performer, notes Us Weekly and Brainmanager.io.
Myth: People With Down Syndrome Have Severe Cognitive Delays
Standard IQ tests do not measure many important areas of intelligence, and you will often be surprised by the memory, insight, creativity, and cleverness of many with Down syndrome.
Zack Gottsagen: Actor & Oscar Presenter
Zack starred in the critically acclaimed film The Peanut Butter Falcon alongside Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson. In 2020, he also became the first person with Down syndrome to present at the Oscars.
According to the World Health Organization, the highest prevalence of Down syndrome is reported in countries such as Ireland, Israel, and Turkey. In contrast, countries like Japan and South Africa report a lower incidence of Down syndrome.
Alexandrine's only sister, Cecilie, was born in 1917. It became clear shortly after Alexandrine's birth that she had Down syndrome. Unlike other disabled royal children, Alexandrine was not hidden away.
From working as baristas in community coffee shops to taking positions in national chains, handling the front desk at offices, or working with their hands in the great outdoors, people with Down syndrome can thrive in a wide range of positions when they have the support, drive and skills they need to perform the job.
The mental age is rarely over 8 years old, although a few cases of normal Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in children with DS have Page 2 Cognitive development and adaptive functions in children with Down syndrome at different developmental stages 85 been reported 4.
Postmortem studies in adults with DS have found several brain abnormalities, including reduced gross brain weight, a lower number and depth of cerebral sulci, enlarged ventricles and hypoplasia of several brain structures such as the brainstem, cerebellum, frontal and temporal lobes.
The life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has dramatically increased, now averaging around 60 years, a significant rise from just 25 years in the 1980s, thanks to improved medical care, early interventions, and better support systems, allowing many to live healthy, active lives into their 60s, 70s, and beyond. However, this can vary, with some research highlighting disparities in life expectancy, especially across different racial groups, and noting increased risks for certain age-related health issues.
Of the people with Down syndrome in the United States: 67% are non-Hispanic and White, 13% non-Hispanic and Black, 16% Hispanic, 3% Asian or Pacific Islander, and 1% American Indian or American Native.
British actor Noah Matthews Matofsky is 16 years old and has Down syndrome. With his role in Disney's "Peter Pan and Wendy", a dream has come true – and now, Noah wants to go even further. #WDSD.
Children and adults with Down syndrome experience all the same emotions everyone experiences, both good and bad. They also experience mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others.
These individuals are incredibly intelligent and have made significant contributions to their fields of study. Learn more about these brilliant minds and their remarkable accomplishments. As of 2025, the Highest IQ ever recorded is of YoungHoon Kim from South Korea whose IQ is 276.
One area of particular importance to people with Down syndrome is that they seem to be especially aware of and sensitive to their immediate social environment. Most are quite adept at reading social cues, especially at picking up the feelings and emotions of others in their environment.
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused when an unusual cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. The term "syndrome" refers to a set of symptoms that tend to happen together.
Snoop Dogg has claimed to have an IQ of 147, a score he revealed on Instagram, which classifies as "highly gifted" or genius level, despite graduating high school with straight C's and considering himself a poor student. While the exact test isn't verified, he has expressed surprise at his own high score, contrasting it with his academic struggles, but acknowledges his brilliance in music and business, notes Esquire Australia and Brainmanager.io.
No, an IQ of 97 is not considered dumb; it falls squarely in the average range (90-109), indicating typical cognitive abilities, though some tests might place it slightly below the exact midpoint of 100. An IQ score of 97 means you performed better than 42% of people, and due to the test's margin of error, your score could be anywhere from the high 80s to the mid-100s, still within normal intelligence.
Matt Damon
The Hollywood heavyweight, who boasts an IQ of 160, famously completed the project with his longtime friend Ben Affleck.