At a special clinic at Fudan University's Children's Hospital, psychologists who specialize in "learning challenges" work with boys and girls struggling with mental and emotional issues, rather than turning "slackers into straight-A students." 

"A significant part of what we're doing here is to help the family grow," said Dr Zhu Daqian, head of the psychological department.

Since the opening of the clinic in 2020, it has assisted more than 1,500 students in identifying the root cause of their difficulties. Two-thirds of them suffer from neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), while others struggle with mental issues.

In the second part of her interview with Shanghai Daily, Dr Zhu talks more about the prognosis and treatment, how online learning affects patients, and what parents can do if they think their children may have emotional problems.