Ten years ago, six-year-old Zhang Xu was diagnosed with autism. His family is from a rural area in east China's Shandong Province, and their neighbors in the village ridiculed him for what they saw as strange behavior. His mother, concerned over such an unfair treatment on her son, brought him to Beijing. And in 2010, at the age of seven, he began to take professional therapy classes at Beijing Stars and Rain Education Institute for Autism.

During an initial three-month course, Zhang recorded significant progress in his capability in language and social interaction. This success persuaded his parents to rent a small apartment near the school, so that Zhang could continue his treatment. A key principle of the therapy at the school is to support both the autistic students and their family.

"Once we got a better understanding of autism, we began helping him to engage in various activities," said his father, Zhang Mingzhu. The ultimate goal, he added, is to "make him more independent."

Zhang Xu has developed a passion for music. He plays guitar and sings, and especially enjoys performing in front of his family. Qin Yifen, his mother, sees the joy the schooling has brought to him. 

"It's not been easy," said the mother, but "Zhang Xu is getting better and better. I'm so happy."

In two years' time, Zhang Xu will graduate from the special school." What will happen after that, is a question that is preoccupying his parents. Although his language ability and communication skills have improved, they still worry if he could fuse properly into the society. 

"We hope that Zhang Xu can have the ability to work independently," said his sister, Zhang Shujuan. "But we need the support of the government and the whole society... Maybe he can do some simple work."

This piece is from Rediscovering China, a 30-minute feature program of CGTN, offering in-depth reports on the major issues facing China today. It airs on Sunday at 10.30 a.m. BJT (02.30 GMT), with a rebroadcast at 11.30 p.m. (15.30 GMT), as well as on Monday at 8.30 a.m. (00.30 GMT) and Friday at 1.30 p.m. (05.30 GMT).