In the 1970s and 1980s, a new belief system developed that was known as the New Age movement. The basis for this system was a combination of a variety of elements which included alternative medicine, esotericism, religion, and environmentalism. The theory of the indigo child developed around this time as well.

These indigo children were children who were born after the late 1970s and are thought to represent the next stage of human evolution. These youngsters are believed to exhibit a variety of signs of their advanced state, such as psychic abilities or simply a greater degree of creativity and empathy towards others.

The term itself was coined by Nancy Ann Tappe, who claimed that she could see the aura that surrounds every human being. This aura is defined as a field that illuminates colors around all individuals. The color of a person’s aura can define the mood they are in or the type of person that they are.

Beginning in the late 1970s, Tappe claimed that she began to notice babies that had an indigo colored aura (thus the name for these children). This aura proved that these children were more advanced than any children that had been born in the past. She further claims that 60% of people aged fourteen to twenty-five are indigo children, while 97% of the children born in the last decade belong to this group.

The characteristics of these children include independent thinking and the ability to tune into other individuals around them. They are wise beyond their years and do not accept conventional ways or authority. Tappe felt that many of these indigo children are being misdiagnosed as having ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), Autism, and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). This is due to the fact that, in her opinion, these indigo children learn better with their hands and through movements.

Critics point out that there is no substantial proof that indigo children exist. The characteristics of these youngsters that are described by Tappe could be used to describe almost anyone, and these critics fear that by claiming that a child is an indigo child may prevent him from getting the help that he may need.

Other critics point out that these children’s knowledge about things beyond their years could be the simple result of the television programs that they are watching. Many children’s shows today are much more complex and advanced than they were when most of us were growing up. The vocabulary and the content with which they deal with are somewhat “New Age,” entwining the plot with magic and a variety of powers and abilities. These youngsters may be copying much of what they learn from these programs.

As far as these children being more advanced and intelligent than youngsters of the past, this can easily be explained as well. Since the 1970s, most children attended preschool prior to entering kindergarten. These children are learning the basics at the age of three or four that we did not learn until we entered regular school.

The belief in indigo children is like any other belief system. While many people do not agree with the concept, others swear by it. It all comes down personal choice and opinion.