How Extinction in ABA Therapy Can Transform Behavior
Extinction in ABA Therapy can reshape how challenging behaviors are reduced and more positive skills take root. In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), extinction involves withholding the usual reinforcement for a previously rewarded action. Over time, this approach helps decrease unwanted behaviors by removing the payoff that maintained them. Families and professionals often notice a temporary spike in the behavior, known as an extinction burst, before improvement kicks in.
By the end of this article, readers will understand how extinction works, when to apply it, and how to pair it with teaching alternative skills. This knowledge supports smoother intervention plans and better outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Understanding Extinction Basics
Extinction refers to the process of reducing a behavior by no longer providing the reinforcement that used to follow it. For example, if a child throws objects to gain attention, a therapist would withhold eye contact or verbal response when the behavior occurs. Without the expected reaction, the frequency of object‐throwing should decrease.
Key features of extinction include:
- Withholding Reinforcement: No reward, attention, or access to tangibles follows the target behavior
- Gradual Reduction: Behavior fades as the individual learns it no longer yields desired outcomes
- Possible Extinction Burst: A brief increase in the behavior’s frequency, intensity, or duration before decline
Extinction in ABA therapy is the process of withholding reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior to weaken and eventually eliminate that behavior over time.
Why Extinction Matters
Extinction serves two main purposes:
- It interrupts reinforcement cycles that maintain unwanted behaviors.
- It creates a window to teach communication and coping skills that replace problem behaviors.
When applied alongside positive reinforcement for alternative actions, extinction becomes part of a balanced strategy rather than a standalone fix.
Identifying Reinforcement Functions
A behavior’s function determines which reinforcement to withhold during extinction. Common functions include:
| Function | Description | Example Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Attention | Seeking social interaction | Tantrums in public |
| Escape | Avoiding nonpreferred tasks or settings | Leaving a classroom |
| Tangible | Gaining access to items or activities | Demanding toys |
| Sensory | Self‐stimulatory or automatic reinforcement | Rocking or hand‐flapping |
Functional behavior assessments (FBAs) help practitioners and caregivers pinpoint these triggers. They examine antecedents (events before the behavior) and consequences (what follows) to match extinction procedures effectively.
How to Conduct FBA
- Observe and Record:
Note when and where the behavior occurs.
- Interview Stakeholders:
Ask teachers, therapists, and family members about patterns.
- Analyze Data:
Identify what reinforcement has historically followed the behavior.
- Form Hypotheses: Determine which function (attention, escape, tangible, sensory) best explains the behavior.
What happens if the function is misidentified? Extinction applied to the wrong reinforcement can inadvertently strengthen the behavior, making it harder to change.
Implementing Extinction Strategies
Once the function is clear, the next step is consistent application of extinction. Inconsistent responses can reinforce the behavior unpredictably, leading to more resistance.
Steps for Consistent Implementation
1 Define Targets
2 Train Caregivers
3 Use Visual Supports
4 Maintain Records
For example, if attention is the reinforcer, caregivers should avoid eye contact, verbal responses, or physical touch when the behavior occurs. Instead, positive behavior earns immediate attention.
Combining Extinction With Positive Reinforcement
Extinction works best when paired with teaching alternative behaviors. Reinforcing replacement skills helps individuals learn new ways to communicate needs or cope with frustration. This approach aligns with Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA) or incompatible behaviors (DRI).
Managing Extinction Bursts
One challenge in extinction is the extinction burst—a temporary spike in the unwanted behavior before it declines. During this phase, behaviors may escalate in intensity or occur more frequently.
Recognizing an Extinction Burst
- Sudden Increase: The unwanted behavior happens more often or lasts longer.
- Novel Responses:
New forms of the behavior may appear, such as louder vocal protests.
- Emotional Reactions: Individuals might display aggression or extreme frustration.
Knowing an extinction burst is likely prevents alarm and keeps the team consistent.
Strategies to Handle Bursts
- Stay Consistent: Reinforcement must remain withheld despite escalation.
- Prepare Mentally: Caregivers should expect and plan for an initial spike.
- Use Support Systems:
Team debriefs help maintain morale and consistency.
- Monitor Safety: If behaviors pose risk, use reactive procedures like safe prompt fading or break cards.
Teaching Replacement Behaviors
Extinction removes reinforcement for problem behavior, but teaching replacement skills offers a path to lasting change. Replacement behaviors should serve the same function as the target behavior.
Selecting Effective Alternatives
- Match Function:
If escape is the function, teach requests to take a break or use a signal card.
- Make It Simple:
Start with clear, easy‐to‐learn communication methods, such as single words or pictures.
- Reinforce Immediately: Positive reinforcement must follow the replacement behavior every time.
Example: From Tantrums to Requests
| Phase | Problem Behavior | Replacement Skill | Reinforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline | Child refuses the task | N/A | Attention on the tantrum |
| Teaching Phase | Ignore refusal | “Break please” card | Token or praise |
| Maintenance | Consistent requests | “Break please” card | Access to break |
By pairing extinction with differential reinforcement, caregivers reduce unwanted actions and boost desirable ones.
Monitoring Behavior Changes
Data collection is vital to assess the extinction’s effectiveness and make timely adjustments. Regular monitoring ensures that the intervention remains on track.
Tracking Tools and Methods
- Frequency Charts:
Record the number of occurrences per session.
- Duration Logs:
Note how long each behavior instance lasts.
- Intensity Ratings: Use a simple scale (e.g., 1–5) to gauge severity.
- Progress Graphs: Visualize trends over days and weeks.
Periodic reviews help identify if extinction is reducing the behavior or if the team needs to revisit the function assessment.
Collaborating With Stakeholders
Successful extinction relies on teamwork among ABA therapists, family members, educators, and other caregivers. Clear communication and shared goals keep everyone aligned.
Best Practices for Collaboration
- Hold Regular Meetings: Share data, discuss challenges, and update plans.
- Provide Training:
Demonstrate extinction techniques and replacement teaching methods.
- Use Shared Documentation: A central log or digital tool ensures everyone sees the same information.
- Offer Support: Encourage open dialogue about frustrations or concerns.
Consistent messaging across environments from home to school minimizes confusion for the individual with ASD.
Ethical Considerations in Extinction
Ethical practice demands that extinction procedures prioritize the individual’s well‐being and dignity. Practitioners must balance firmness with empathy.
Key Ethical Guidelines
- Informed Consent:
Caregivers and, when appropriate, the individual with ASD should understand the plan.
- Trauma-Informed Care:
Avoid strategies that cause undue stress or harm.
- Monitor Distress: Watch for signs of extreme anxiety or aggression and adjust as needed.
- Follow Professional Standards: Align with guidelines from behavior analysis certification boards.
By embedding kindness into the process, extinction can be both effective and respectful.
Conclusion
Extinction in ABA therapy involves withholding reinforcement for unwanted behaviors to reduce their occurrence. Identifying why a behavior happens guides which reinforcement to withhold. Consistency is crucial, especially during extinction bursts when behaviors may temporarily worsen. Pairing extinction with positive reinforcement for replacement skills creates a balanced approach. Ongoing data collection and collaboration ensure the plan remains effective. Finally, ethical considerations like informed consent and trauma‐informed care keep the individual’s needs at the forefront.
Families and professionals who implement extinction thoughtfully can help individuals with ASD exchange challenging behaviors for functional, positive communication and coping strategies.
At Inclusive ABA, we understand how overwhelming and challenging behaviors can feel for families. That’s why our ABA therapy programs in Nevada, Nebraska, and Colorado use evidence-based strategies like extinction, paired with positive reinforcement, to help children replace unwanted behaviors with communication, coping, and daily living skills. Our trauma-informed, compassionate approach ensures therapy is safe, ethical, and effective.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your child’s progress at home, in school, and in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is extinction in ABA therapy?
Extinction is a behavior reduction strategy where reinforcement for an unwanted behavior is withheld, making it less likely to occur over time. It’s often paired with teaching replacement behaviors.
What is an extinction burst in ABA?
An extinction burst is when the unwanted behavior temporarily increases in intensity or frequency after reinforcement is removed. With consistency and support, the behavior typically decreases afterward.
Is extinction in ABA therapy safe and ethical?
Yes, when implemented properly. Extinction should always be paired with positive reinforcement, monitored closely with data, and guided by ethical, trauma-informed practices to ensure the child’s well-being.
SOURCES:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5352626/
https://howtoaba.com/extinction/
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/what-is-meant-by-extinction-in-aba-therapy/
https://www.nu.edu/blog/what-is-differential-reinforcement/
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/extinction-aba-therapy/
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