THE INDIGO INITIATIVE

NEURODIVERGENT INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT

Who We Are

The Indigo Initiative is a therapeutic intervention service that supports neurodivergent children and their families. Our mission is to nurture meaningful growth, connection, and independence through engaging, individualized sessions that are as unique as each child we support.

We believe in meeting children where they are, honouring their strengths, and working collaboratively with families to build skills in communication, flexibility, regulation, and independence – all within a supportive, playful, and neuro-affirming environment.

WHY OUR WORK MATTERS

Our work matters because every child deserves to be seen, understood, and celebrated — exactly as they are.

For many neurodivergent children and their families, the world isn’t always built with them in mind. Expectations are often misaligned, support can be inaccessible, and their unique ways of thinking, feeling, and connecting are too easily misunderstood. We exist to change that.

Our work matters because:

We help children communicate, connect, and express themselves in ways that feel authentic.
We create safe, joyful spaces where difference is not just accepted — it's embraced.
We empower families with tools, hope, and a sense of partnership on what can often feel like an isolating journey.
We support long-term wellbeing by laying early foundations for regulation, confidence, and relationships.

Every session, every moment of play or breakthrough — no matter how small — is a step toward a more inclusive world where neurodivergent children are not asked to fit in, but are supported to thrive.In a world that often overlooks or rushes these kids, we slow down, tune in, and say: You are not broken. You are brilliant. And you belong.

In South Africa, there is no exact, up-to-date national prevalence statistic for neurodivergent diagnoses per 100 children. However, based on global estimates and limited local research, we can offer a general indication:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

Global prevalence: About 1 in 36 children (CDC, USA, 2023).
South Africa: Local studies (e.g., Springer et al., 2013) suggest 1 in 68, but many experts believe this is underdiagnosed due to limited awareness, access, and services.
Realistic estimate for SA: Likely between 1–2 in 100 children.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder):

Global prevalence: ~5–7% of children.
South Africa: Research suggests similar or slightly lower rates, depending on access to assessments. Estimated at 3–5 in 100 children.

Other forms of neurodivergence (e.g., dyslexia, dyspraxia, intellectual disability, developmental coordination disorder, sensory processing differences, etc.) add to the total.

COMBINATION APPROACH

A Holistic, Combination Approach

At The Indigo Initiative, we believe that no single approach fits all. That’s why we use a combination of evidence-based methods tailored to each child’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.

Our work is grounded in collaboration. We operate within a multidisciplinary team—including occupational therapists, speech therapists, behaviour specialists, educators, and families- to ensure every area of your child’s development is supported.

This team-based approach allows us to: