Key Points:
- Extinction in ABA involves withholding reinforcement to reduce unwanted behaviors.
- Clear procedures and consistency are critical to successful extinction strategies.
- Understanding extinction bursts, side effects, and implementation tips empowers caregivers to support lasting behavior change.
Understanding how to shape behavior in a supportive, consistent way is essential for parents of children with autism. One widely used approach in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is extinction—a method that reduces unwanted behavior by removing the reinforcement that maintains it.
In this article, we’ll go over what extinction means in ABA therapy, share real-life examples across different behavior types, and walk you through essential procedures to use it effectively. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, understanding how extinction works—and the common challenges it brings—can help you support meaningful, lasting behavior change.
What is an Extinction Example in ABA?
An extinction example in ABA therapy is when a child’s tantrum—previously reinforced by getting attention—is ignored, leading to a gradual decrease in that behavior. The core idea behind extinction is simple: a behavior that is no longer reinforced will eventually decrease or stop. However, the actual implementation requires thoughtful planning, consistency, and patience.
Another common extinction example involves escape-maintained behavior. For instance, if a child consistently throws their pencil or cries when asked to complete homework—and the task is removed as a result—they learn that disruptive behavior leads to escape.
In an extinction procedure, the caregiver or teacher would continue to present the homework task despite the child’s protest, withholding the escape reinforcement. Over time, with consistent application and the teaching of alternative coping strategies, the child learns that task-avoidant behaviors no longer work, and more appropriate responses—like asking for a break—can be taught instead.
What Does Extinction Mean in ABA?
In ABA, extinction is the process of reducing or eliminating a behavior by withholding the reinforcement that previously maintained it. It’s not punishment. Instead, it’s a strategic change in response.
This method must be applied consistently and paired with teaching appropriate replacement behaviors. It’s also important to prepare for what’s known as an extinction burst, where the behavior may initially increase before it fades.
Why is Extinction Used in ABA?
Extinction is used to reduce maladaptive behaviors by removing the reinforcement that keeps them alive. When used properly, it can teach a child that inappropriate behaviors no longer serve a purpose, paving the way for healthier alternatives.
It’s particularly effective for behaviors that are socially mediated, meaning they are reinforced by other people (e.g., attention, access to items, escape from demands). For example, if a child throws objects to avoid a task, and the task is removed, that behavior is reinforced. Using extinction, the task would remain, and the behavior would no longer allow escape.
What are Common Extinction Examples in ABA?
Extinction looks different depending on the function of the behavior, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. To be effective, the procedure must target the specific reason the behavior occurs—whether it’s to gain attention, escape a demand, access an item, or fulfill a sensory need.
Understanding these distinctions is essential for caregivers and professionals to apply extinction appropriately and consistently. Below are several real-life scenarios that illustrate how extinction can be used based on the behavior’s function:
1. Attention-Seeking Behavior
When a child yells, hits, or acts out to gain attention, even negative reactions like scolding can reinforce the behavior. Extinction involves intentionally withholding attention, such as avoiding eye contact or verbal responses.
2. Escape-Maintained Behavior
Some children engage in tantrums or whining to avoid non-preferred tasks. In extinction, the demand remains in place, and the child is prompted to complete it, showing that escape is no longer an option.
3. Access to Tangibles
When a child cries or grabs for desired toys or snacks, giving in can reinforce the behavior. Extinction involves withholding the item until the child uses an appropriate way to request it, like asking politely.
4. Self-Stimulatory Behavior (Automatically Reinforced)
Behaviors like hand-flapping or spinning are reinforced by internal sensations. Extinction for these actions may include adding alternative activities or modifying the environment to reduce the behavior’s reinforcement value.
How is an Extinction Procedure Implemented?
Implementing extinction requires preparation and consistency. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and doing it incorrectly can worsen the behavior or cause confusion for the child.
Before beginning, it’s crucial to determine the function of the behavior—what the child is getting from it. A functional behavior assessment (FBA) helps identify this.
Once the function is known, the following steps are usually involved:
- Identify the Reinforcer: Understand what’s maintaining the behavior. Is it attention, escape, access, or sensory?
- Withhold Reinforcement: Stop giving the response that previously encouraged the behavior.
- Teach a Replacement Behavior: Guide the child to use a more appropriate way to get what they want.
- Stay Consistent: Everyone involved—parents, teachers, therapists—must follow through in the same way.
- Monitor and Adjust: Track progress and be open to refining the plan if the behavior changes or new challenges emerge.
What is an Extinction Burst?
An extinction burst is a temporary increase in the frequency or intensity of a behavior after the reinforcement is removed. This is a normal part of the process and can be distressing if not anticipated.
For instance, if a child normally gets candy after whining, and one day the parent stops giving it, the child might whine louder, cry harder, or even try hitting. This reaction is the extinction burst. It’s the child’s way of saying, “This used to work—why isn’t it working now?”. With consistent application, the behavior typically declines after this spike.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Extinction?
While extinction can be effective, there are possible side effects that caregivers should understand and plan for:
- Emotional outbursts such as crying or screaming
- Aggression or self-injurious behaviors
- Generalization to other settings or people
- New problem behaviors replacing old ones
To minimize these effects, always pair extinction with positive reinforcement for desired behaviors and provide emotional support through the process.
How Long Does Extinction Take to Work?
The amount of time it takes for extinction to be effective in ABA therapy can differ based on several factors, such as how long the behavior has been reinforced, how consistently the procedure is applied, and the child’s unique needs. While some behaviors may lessen within days, others might require several weeks or more to show meaningful improvement.
Consistency is the most critical element. If the reinforcement is accidentally provided even once, it can reset progress and make the behavior more resistant to change. It’s also common to see an extinction burst—a temporary increase in the behavior—before it starts to decline. With careful planning, professional guidance, and patience, extinction can be a powerful tool for lasting behavior change.
What are the Best Practices for Parents Using Extinction?
Parents play a major role in extinction success. You don’t need to be a trained therapist to support your child, but you do need a solid plan. Below are some essential guidelines:
- Work with a professional to identify behavioral function and craft a tailored plan
- Be emotionally prepared for the extinction burst
- Praise alternative behaviors when your child does something appropriate
- Avoid accidental reinforcement, like laughing, giving in, or showing frustration
- Stay consistent even if progress is slow or behavior escalates
When Should Extinction Not Be Used?
While extinction can be highly effective in reducing unwanted behaviors, there are situations where it may not be safe or appropriate. If used incorrectly, it can lead to escalation, emotional distress, or even harm. That’s why it’s important to evaluate each case carefully and consult with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) before implementing an extinction plan.
Extinction should generally be avoided when the behavior is dangerous, such as head-banging or aggressive outbursts that could result in injury. It’s also not advisable if the behavior isn’t well understood, meaning the reinforcement maintaining it hasn’t been clearly identified.
Give Your Child the Tools for Success With ABA Therapy
Behavior change is a journey that doesn’t happen overnight. Extinction is just one tool in the broader framework of ABA therapy, which also includes reinforcement strategies, teaching new skills, and improving communication.
At Actify, we provide compassionate, individualized ABA therapy in Maryland. Our team supports families through every stage—from assessment to real-world implementation. Whether you’re managing tantrums, teaching communication, or navigating behavioral challenges, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn how our ABA therapy services in Maryland can support your child’s growth and well-being. Let’s work together to build lasting change—one small step at a time.
