Extinction in ABA therapy stops reinforcement for problem behaviors, causing them to decrease over time. This evidence-based technique helps children with autism replace challenging behaviors with positive alternatives through consistent implementation.
What Is Extinction in ABA Therapy?
Extinction means stopping all rewards or attention that keep a problem behavior going. When you remove what motivates the behavior, it naturally fades away.
Think of it like watering a plant. If you stop watering it, the plant eventually dies. Same thing happens with behaviors when you remove their “water” – the reinforcement.
ABA therapists use extinction carefully and strategically. They first figure out why a child does a certain behavior, then remove that specific reward.
How Extinction Works in the Brain
Every behavior happens for a reason. Children repeat actions that get them something they want or help them avoid something they don’t like.
When extinction starts, the brain expects the usual reward. Not getting it creates confusion and often makes the behavior worse at first.
This temporary increase is called an “extinction burst.” It’s completely normal and shows the technique is working.
The brain eventually learns the old behavior doesn’t work anymore. It stops trying and looks for new ways to get needs met.
Types of Extinction Procedures
Attention Extinction
Many problem behaviors happen because children want attention – even negative attention like scolding.
Attention extinction means completely ignoring the behavior. No eye contact, no talking, no facial expressions.
You might turn away or continue your activity as if nothing happened. This removes the social reward the child seeks.
Escape Extinction
Some children act out to avoid tasks they find difficult or boring. Escape extinction prevents them from getting out of the activity.
If a child throws materials during math time, you calmly redirect them back to the work. The tantrum doesn’t eliminate the math requirement.
This teaches children they can’t escape responsibilities through problem behaviors.
Tangible Extinction
This applies when children misbehave to get specific items or activities they want.
If a child screams for a toy in a store, tangible extinction means they don’t get the toy regardless of the intensity of their reaction.
The child learns that screaming doesn’t lead to getting desired items.
Sensory Extinction
Some behaviors provide internal sensory rewards like the feeling of repetitive movements or sounds.
Sensory extinction involves blocking or reducing these internal rewards when possible and safe.
This might mean using protective equipment or environmental changes to reduce sensory feedback.
Real-World Examples of Extinction
Example 1: Classroom Disruption
Sarah throws pencils during writing time to get her teacher’s attention. Her teacher decides to use attention extinction.
When Sarah throws a pencil, the teacher doesn’t look at her or respond. She quietly gives Sarah a new pencil and continues teaching.
After two weeks of consistent extinction, Sarah’s pencil-throwing decreases dramatically.
Example 2: Bedtime Tantrums
Five-year-old Mike screams at bedtime because his parents usually give in and let him stay up longer.
His parents implement escape extinction. They acknowledge his feelings but maintain the bedtime routine regardless of crying.
Within a month, Mike’s bedtime tantrums nearly disappear because they no longer delay bedtime.
Example 3: Grocery Store Meltdowns
Emma has tantrums in stores when she wants candy. Her mom used to buy candy to stop the crying.
Mom starts using tangible extinction. She brings Emma’s favorite snacks from home and ignores requests for store candy.
Emma learns that tantrums don’t result in getting candy from the store.
The Extinction Burst: What to Expect
Before behaviors improve, they almost always get worse first. This extinction burst can be intense and challenging.
Children might cry longer, hit harder, or try new problem behaviors. This escalation is temporary but requires strong commitment from caregivers.
The burst usually lasts a few days to a few weeks. Consistency during this period determines whether extinction succeeds.
Some children test limits by trying the old behavior occasionally. These “spontaneous recovery” episodes are normal and brief if you maintain extinction.
Safety Considerations and When Not to Use Extinction
Extinction isn’t appropriate for all behaviors. Never use it for behaviors that could cause serious harm to the child or others.
Self-injurious behaviors, aggression toward others, or property destruction may require immediate intervention rather than extinction.
Always work with qualified ABA professionals when implementing extinction procedures. They can assess safety and create proper protocols.
Some behaviors serve important communication functions. Extinction should include teaching appropriate alternatives to meet the same needs.
Combining Extinction with Positive Strategies
Extinction works best when paired with teaching replacement behaviors. Children need appropriate ways to get their needs met.
If a child hits to get attention, teach them to tap your shoulder or say “excuse me” instead. Reinforce these positive alternatives consistently.
This combination approach helps children learn faster and reduces the intensity of extinction bursts.
Always praise and reward good behaviors while implementing extinction for problem behaviors.
Tips for Successful Extinction Implementation
Start extinction when you can be completely consistent. Partial extinction often makes behaviors stronger and harder to eliminate later.
Make sure everyone involved follows the same plan. Inconsistency between parents, teachers, or therapists can sabotage progress.
Document the behavior’s frequency and intensity before starting. This helps you track progress and stay motivated during difficult periods.
Prepare for the extinction burst emotionally and practically. Have support systems in place and remember that temporary worsening means it’s working.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t start extinction unless you can commit fully. Giving in during an extinction burst teaches children that escalating behavior eventually works.
Avoid using extinction in public places initially. You need privacy and time to handle extinction bursts properly.
Don’t forget to teach and reinforce appropriate replacement behaviors. Extinction alone leaves children without ways to meet their needs.
Never use extinction for behaviors you haven’t fully analyzed. Understanding the function prevents accidentally reinforcing the wrong thing.
Working with ABA Professionals
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) design extinction procedures based on thorough assessments of each child’s unique needs.
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) implement these procedures under BCBA supervision, ensuring consistency and safety.
Regular data collection helps teams adjust strategies and celebrate progress along the way.
Professional guidance ensures extinction procedures are ethical, effective, and appropriate for each individual situation.