This research is based on a systematic review on emotional intelligence and people with special intellectual needs. Making a description about emotional intelligence, theoretical models and current educational involvement, with the aim of describing the research that justifies the need for the development of emotional intelligence in people with intellectual disabilities. Using the Google Academic and Dialnet databases, 25 articles were obtained, which describe the benefits of emotional intelligence for personal well-being, self-efficacy, self-esteem, confidence and security that it provides. The development of emotional intelligence provides them with greater life satisfaction and quality of life because it facilitates greater knowledge, control and emotional regulation, turning these into resources to face the impulses, anxiety, frustration and stress of these people. Emotional intelligence is one more link in their development and comprehensive training, facilitating and improving their development and interpersonal relationships.