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