Javier Micallef, 7, born with a large portion of his brain missing, used to shout in panic when his parents tried to strap him into a seatbelt but in recent weeks he has started to cope, thanks to specialised therapy he is receiving in a York clinic.

“They taught us how to help him accept wearing a seatbelt. He loves music, so we put it on while we are in the car and if he removes his seatbelt we stop the car and turn off the music. Now he wears his seatbelt,” his father said.

Javier is the only person in Malta – and one of three in Europe – diagnosed with rhombencephalosynapsis, a rare brain malformation.

Last year, The Sunday Times of Malta told Javier’s story and his parents, Dennis and Dorelle, said they hoped a new therapy offered at Praxis Therapy Centre, a private clinic in York, UK, would help.

But the couple did not have the €14,000 needed to cover the three weeks of intensive therapy, accommodation and flights. Once the story appeared, the couple was inundated with calls from people wishing to help Javier live a better life.

As parents, you are willing to try anything for your child

The family set off to the York clinic, where the specialised therapy focused on the senses, with emphasis on the lesser-known sixth and seventh senses: the vestibular sense, which explains the perception of the body in relation to gravity, movement and balance, and the proprioception sense of awareness of one’s body.

After just three weeks of therapy, his tantrums subsided, his concentration span increased and he ate his first burger.

His parents were taught how to continue building on the therapy at home and, last week, they returned to the York clinic for the second intensive session.

They may need to return again next year. “We are seeing progress in communication,” said Mr Micallef, who is in York. “He can tell us when he is hungry or thirsty or when he needs to go to the toilet. He is much, much calmer and he is learning to eat at table. We have seen big progress,” he said.

He noted with satisfaction that since Javier’s story was published, the York clinic has been contacted by other Maltese families who could benefit from such therapy.

“As parents, you are willing to try anything for your child,” the Micallefs said, reiterating that they wished to see this type of therapy offered in Malta so that many children could benefit as Javier did.

Anyone who wishes to contact the Micallef family can send an e-mail to dendorjav@hotmail.com or call 9989 0783.