Raising a child with autism comes with unique challenges, but understanding behavior management strategies is essential to fostering growth and positive social behavior. At A Gem of Joy, we believe in empowering families with effective tools through our applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy programs to support their child’s development. One crucial strategy in applied behavior analysis is extinction, a method used to reduce undesired behaviors by removing reinforcement. But what is extinction in ABA, and how can it be used to shape positive behavior at home?
What Is Extinction in ABA?
Extinction is a behavior reduction strategy that involves removing the reinforcement that previously maintained an undesired behavior. When a behavior no longer results in the expected outcome, it naturally decreases over time.
For example, if a child engages in head-banging to gain attention and caregivers stop responding to this behavior (while reinforcing safer ways of seeking attention), the child will eventually learn that head-banging is not an effective communication method.
However, when implementing extinction procedures, it’s crucial to use trauma-informed care principles so the child feels safe, understood, and supported throughout the process.
Understanding the Extinction Burst
Before a behavior decreases, it often increases temporarily in intensity or frequency—this reaction is called an extinction burst. This is the child’s way of attempting to regain the reinforcement they previously received.
Examples of extinction bursts include:
- A child who used to cry for attention cries louder and longer when caregivers ignore the behavior.
- A child who previously threw objects to escape tasks throwing more items before realizing the behavior no longer results in avoidance.
This phase is challenging but temporary. The key is consistency—if reinforcement is reintroduced during an extinction burst, the behavior may strengthen instead of decrease.
Some Examples of Extinction in ABA Therapy
To better understand how extinction works, here are some examples of extinction in everyday situations:
Extinction for Attention-Seeking Behavior
A child frequently interrupts conversations to gain attention. Through extinction, caregivers avoid engaging in the interruptions but provide positive attention when the child waits their turn.
Extinction for Escape-Motivated Behavior
If a child refuses to complete a task by throwing a tantrum and is consistently removed from the task, they learn that tantrums allow them to escape. Extinction, in this case, involves following through with the task while reinforcing cooperation.
Extinction for Demand-Driven Behavior
A child who receives treats after whining may learn that whining leads to rewards. By no longer providing treats for whining and instead rewarding polite requests, caregivers reinforce more appropriate behavior.
How to Implement Extinction Procedures at Home
Parents can implement extinction procedures effectively by following these steps:
- Identify the reinforcement: Determine what is maintaining the undesired behavior.
- Withhold the reinforcement: Stop providing reinforcement for the undesired behavior while reinforcing positive alternatives.
- Prepare for an extinction burst: Expect a temporary increase in behavior before it decreases.
- Reinforce positive social behavior: Provide attention and praise for desirable behaviors.
- Use trauma-informed care principles: Focus on helping the child feel emotionally secure and supported throughout the extinction process.
By implementing these strategies consistently and with empathy, caregivers can effectively guide children toward positive behavioral change while fostering a supportive and nurturing environment.
Encouraging and Sustaining Positive Behavior Change
While extinction is an effective tool for reducing unwanted behaviors, it should always be paired with positive reinforcement. Reinforcing positive social behavior helps children learn more appropriate ways to express themselves and meet their needs.
Ways to reinforce positive behavior include:
- Offering verbal praise and encouragement
- Using tangible rewards like stickers or small prizes
- Providing extra playtime or preferred activities
Consistently reinforcing positive behaviors helps children cultivate enduring habits and fosters more constructive ways of engaging with the world around them.
Call A Gem of Joy and Collaborate with Our ABA Experts
We’re committed to helping families understand and apply effective ABA strategies, such as extinction, in a supportive and structured way. Our ABA therapy program guides parents through implementing extinction procedures while incorporating trauma-informed care principles to keep their child’s emotional well-being a priority.
If you need guidance on what extinction is in ABA or support in shaping positive behaviors at home, our team is here to help. Contact us online or call today at 888.501.6641 to learn how we can work together to create a brighter future for your child.