A nurse is reinforcing teaching to the parents of a 2-month-old infant who has Down Syndrome. Which of the following statements addressing cognitive ability should the nurse reinforce?

A. "Cognitive abilities in children with Down syndrome cannot be improved, so focusing on physical health is the only priority." While children with Down syndrome do experience cognitive impairments, early intervention programs such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy can enhance cognitive, motor, and social development, improving their overall functioning. B. "Infants who have Down syndrome typically have significantly higher IQ scores compared to typically developing infants." Children with Down syndrome generally have mild to moderate intellectual disability, and their IQ scores tend to be lower than typically developing peers, not higher. C. "Early intervention programs can mitigate cognitive impairments in infants who have Down syndrome." This is correct. Early stimulation, structured learning environments, and specialized therapies can help optimize the child's cognitive potential and improve adaptive skills. D. "Cognitive abilities of infants who have Down syndrome are typically within the average range during the first year of life." Although some developmental milestones may appear similar in early infancy, delays in cognitive and motor development often become noticeable within the first year, distinguishing children with Down syndrome from their typically developing peers.