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dividuals, I will describe another case which can perhaps be
compared to our case:

This is the case is that of a boy suffering from Down
Syndrome who has low intelligence (IQ36). The institution
he lives in described him as aggressive and as displaying
inappropriate behavior: masturbating and either enticing
or coercing others to sin in this manner. After a short time
spent confirming these reports, they started psychothera-
peutic treatment known as DRO (Differential Reinforce-
ment-other), a method of positive reinforcement that rather
than requiring the presence of any particular behavior, just
seeks the elimination of the targeted negative behavior. In
that case they employed the following methods: [1] giving
attention and praise when the child behaved well (intermit-
tent praise) and employing another method in addition to
the DRO, [2] social restitution (or rehabilitation). When
the child starts displaying undesirable behavior he is made
to ask for forgiveness from six children, starting with his
victim. The request for forgiveness has to be made within
five seconds of the instruction otherwise forgiveness had
to be requested from an additional child. Not more than
eight requests for forgiveness were necessary. Within a few
days both types of negative behavior disappeared. It is not
clear whether making the request for forgiveness in a group
setting brought on genuine remorse, but it is clear that the
aggressor felt that this was something unpleasant for him. [I
should point out that through his work in the Alvin insti-
tution Dr. Schorr has amassed great experience in treating
“abnormal” children.]

Dr. Pinchas Meir Oscher, Jerusalem

In light of these physicians’ responses, my response is as follows:

This patient is exempt from mitzvos by virtue of his being a sho-
teh [an imbecile], for he feels no embarrassment in masturbating in

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