New Age Beliefs - Indigo Children

In the 1970s and 1980s, a new belief systemHyperactivity Disorder), ADD (Attention Deficit
developed that was known as the New AgeDisorder), Autism, and OCD
movement. The basis for this system was a(Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). This is due to
combination of a variety of elements whichthe fact that, in her opinion, these indigo children
included alternative medicine, esotericism, religion,learn better with their hands and through
and environmentalism. The theory of the indigomovements.
child developed around this time as well.Critics point out that there is no substantial proof
These indigo children were children who were bornthat indigo children exist. The characteristics of
after the late 1970s and are thought to representthese youngsters that are described by Tappe
the next stage of human evolution. Thesecould be used to describe almost anyone, and
youngsters are believed to exhibit a variety ofthese critics fear that by claiming that a child is an
signs of their advanced state, such as psychicindigo child may prevent him from getting the help
abilities or simply a greater degree of creativitythat he may need.
and empathy towards others.Other critics point out that these children's
The term itself was coined by Nancy Ann Tappe,knowledge about things beyond their years could
who claimed that she could see the aura thatbe the simple result of the television programs
surrounds every human being. This aura is definedthat they are watching. Many children's shows
as a field that illuminates colors around alltoday are much more complex and advanced
individuals. The color of a person's aura can definethan they were when most of us were growing
the mood they are in or the type of person thatup. The vocabulary and the content with which
they are.they deal with are somewhat "New Age,"
Beginning in the late 1970s, Tappe claimed thatentwining the plot with magic and a variety of
she began to notice babies that had an indigopowers and abilities. These youngsters may be
colored aura (thus the name for these children).copying much of what they learn from these
This aura proved that these children were moreprograms.
advanced than any children that had been born inAs far as these children being more advanced and
the past. She further claims that 60% of peopleintelligent than youngsters of the past, this can
aged fourteen to twenty-five are indigo children,easily be explained as well. Since the 1970s, most
while 97% of the children born in the last decadechildren attended preschool prior to entering
belong to this group.kindergarten. These children are learning the basics
The characteristics of these children includeat the age of three or four that we did not learn
independent thinking and the ability to tune intountil we entered regular school.
other individuals around them. They are wiseThe belief in indigo children is like any other belief
beyond their years and do not acceptsystem. While many people do not agree with the
conventional ways or authority. Tappe felt thatconcept, others swear by it. It all comes down
many of these indigo children are beingpersonal choice and opinion.
misdiagnosed as having ADHD (Attention Deficit