Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely used and effective approach for teaching new skills and reducing problem behaviors in children with autism and other developmental disorders. One of the essential techniques in ABA therapy is extinction, which helps reduce undesirable behaviors by eliminating the reinforcement that maintains them. This process is crucial for promoting positive behavior change and increasing independence in children.

In this article, we will dive deeper into the concept of extinction in ABA therapy. We’ll discuss how it works, explore different types of extinction, provide practical examples, and explain how it benefits children. Additionally, we will cover how parents, caregivers, and therapists can effectively implement extinction at home and in therapy.

Understanding Extinction in ABA Therapy

Defining Extinction in ABA Therapy

Extinction in ABA therapy refers to a process where a behavior that has been reinforced (either intentionally or unintentionally) is no longer reinforced. As a result, the frequency of that behavior decreases over time, and eventually, the behavior may stop altogether. The goal of extinction is to reduce unwanted behaviors by removing the source of reinforcement that maintains them.

In ABA, reinforcement is defined as anything that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. This reinforcement could be attention, tangible rewards, escaping a demand, or access to preferred items or activities. By eliminating the reinforcement, the behavior will weaken and eventually be extinguished.

Why Extinction is Important

Extinction is a critical strategy in ABA therapy because it helps teach children new, more appropriate behaviors while decreasing maladaptive ones. It is often used in combination with other behavioral strategies, such as positive reinforcement, to create lasting behavior change. This technique helps children become more independent and increases their ability to function appropriately in various settings.

How Extinction Works: The Process

The Process of Extinction in ABA

The key to extinction is consistent implementation. For extinction to be effective, the behavior that was previously reinforced must consistently stop being reinforced. While this may initially cause an increase in the behavior (referred to as the extinction burst), the behavior will eventually decrease as the child learns that it no longer leads to the expected outcome.

Stages of Extinction:

1. Behavior Occurs: The unwanted behavior occurs as it normally would.

2. Reinforcement is Withheld: The reinforcement (attention, escape, access to a preferred item) that previously followed the behavior is no longer provided.

3. Extinction Burst: Initially, the behavior may increase in intensity, frequency, or duration, as the child may try harder to obtain the reinforcement.

4. Behavior Decreases: Over time, the behavior begins to decrease because the reinforcement is no longer available.

5. Behavior Stops: Eventually, the behavior is eliminated or significantly reduced as the child learns that the behavior no longer produces the desired result.

Types of Extinction in ABA Therapy

1. Attention Extinction

What is Attention Extinction?

Attention extinction is used when a behavior is maintained by the attention it receives from others, whether it’s positive attention (praise, social interaction) or negative attention (reprimands, scolding).

How Attention Extinction Works:

In attention extinction, the caregiver or therapist stops providing attention for the behavior. This could involve ignoring the behavior entirely, not looking at the child, and not reacting in any way to the behavior. Over time, the child learns that the behavior no longer results in attention, and it diminishes.

Example of Attention Extinction:

If a child engages in whining to get their parent’s attention, the parent would refrain from responding to the whining. Initially, the whining might increase (extinction burst), but over time, the behavior will decrease as the child learns that whining no longer results in attention.

2. Escape Extinction

What is Escape Extinction?

Escape extinction is used when a child’s behavior is maintained by avoiding or escaping a demand or task. This can include behaviors like tantrums, aggression, or refusal, aimed at avoiding activities such as homework, chores, or social interactions.

How Escape Extinction Works:

In escape extinction, the child is not allowed to escape the task. The demand is presented again after the behavior occurs, and the child must complete the task without being allowed to avoid it. Over time, the behavior will decrease as the child learns that they cannot escape the task by engaging in problematic behaviors.

Example of Escape Extinction:

If a child throws a tantrum to avoid cleaning up their toys, the parent or therapist continues to prompt the child to clean up, despite the tantrum. As the child realizes that throwing a tantrum does not result in escaping the task, the behavior will reduce.

3. Tangible Extinction

What is Tangible Extinction?

Tangible extinction is used when a child’s behavior is maintained by access to a preferred item or activity (e.g., toys, food, electronics).

How Tangible Extinction Works:

In tangible extinction, the desired object or activity is not provided when the child engages in the problem behavior. By withholding the tangible reinforcement, the child learns that the behavior does not lead to obtaining the item or activity, and the behavior decreases over time.

Example of Tangible Extinction:

If a child cries to get a specific toy, the caregiver will not give the toy during the tantrum. Instead, the child will have to wait until they calm down and show more appropriate behavior. Over time, the child learns that crying no longer results in getting the toy.

Understanding and Managing the Extinction Burst

What is an Extinction Burst?

The extinction burst is a phenomenon where the behavior initially increases in intensity, frequency, or duration before it decreases. This can be surprising or discouraging for caregivers and therapists, but it is a normal and expected part of the extinction process.

Why Does the Extinction Burst Occur?

An extinction burst occurs because the child is frustrated or confused that their behavior is no longer producing the desired outcome. In an attempt to regain the reinforcement, they may intensify the behavior. However, if the behavior continues to be ignored, the child will eventually stop engaging in it.

How to Handle an Extinction Burst:

• Stay Consistent: Do not give in to the behavior, even when it escalates. This is the critical phase where consistency is key.

• Remain Calm: Avoid emotional reactions to the burst. Reacting to the behavior might inadvertently reinforce it.

• Reinforce Appropriate Behavior: While ignoring the problem behavior, provide praise or rewards when the child engages in appropriate behaviors.

Pros and Cons of Extinction in ABA Therapy

Benefits of Extinction:

• Effectively Reduces Undesirable Behaviors: Extinction helps eliminate behaviors that are disruptive or harmful, promoting healthier behavior patterns.

• Encourages Long-Term Change: Unlike short-term fixes, extinction addresses the underlying cause of the behavior and helps establish long-lasting behavior change.

• Promotes Positive Behaviors: It allows therapists to reinforce positive behaviors by eliminating unwanted ones, creating space for new, more appropriate behaviors.

Challenges of Extinction:

• Extinction Burst: The initial increase in undesirable behavior can be frustrating for both caregivers and therapists, requiring patience.

• Consistency is Crucial: If the behavior is accidentally reinforced during the extinction process, the child might not learn that the behavior is no longer effective.

• Requires Time and Patience: Extinction is a gradual process and might take time to see results, requiring caregivers to be patient and persistent.

How to Implement Extinction in ABA Therapy

1. Collaborate with an ABA Therapist

It is essential to work with a trained ABA therapist when using extinction strategies. The therapist will help design an appropriate plan and ensure that extinction is applied consistently across different settings (e.g., home, school, therapy).

2. Be Consistent and Follow Through

One of the most important aspects of extinction is consistency. All caregivers and family members must be on the same page and follow the same procedures to avoid inadvertently reinforcing the behavior.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement for Appropriate Behavior

While extinction works to reduce unwanted behaviors, it’s equally important to reinforce appropriate behaviors. When the child engages in positive actions, offer praise or other forms of reinforcement to encourage them to continue.

4. Monitor Progress

Track the child’s behavior over time to evaluate how well the extinction process is working. If the behavior doesn’t decrease, consider modifying the strategy or seeking additional professional advice.

Conclusion

Extinction is a highly effective technique in ABA therapy that helps reduce problem behaviors by removing the reinforcement that maintains them. Whether used for attention, escape, or tangible reinforcement, extinction provides a structured way to decrease undesirable behaviors and promote positive alternatives. Although it may involve initial challenges such as the extinction burst, the long-term benefits of extinction make it a valuable tool for both therapists and parents.

At Blossom ABA, we specialize in providing personalized ABA therapy services that incorporate extinction and other evidence-based strategies to help children with autism and other developmental challenges. Our team of experienced therapists works closely with families to develop and implement effective behavior modification plans. Contact Blossom ABA today to learn more about how we can support your child’s development.

FAQs

What is extinction in ABA therapy? 

Extinction in ABA therapy is the process of eliminating the reinforcement that maintains an undesirable behavior, which leads to the decrease or elimination of the behavior over time.

What happens during an extinction burst? 

An extinction burst occurs when the child intensifies their problem behavior initially in an attempt to regain the reinforcement. Over time, as the behavior is not reinforced, it will decrease.

Can extinction be used for all behaviors? 

Extinction is effective for behaviors that are maintained by reinforcement, but it may not be suitable for dangerous or harmful behaviors. In these cases, other interventions may be needed.

How can I implement extinction at home? 

Work with your child’s therapist to ensure consistency and use appropriate strategies. Reinforce positive behaviors and stay calm and patient during the extinction process.

How long does extinction take to work? 

The time it takes for extinction to work varies depending on the behavior and consistency of the intervention. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the behavior to diminish.