Key Points:
- Extinction in autism is the process of reducing behaviors by no longer reinforcing them.
- Effective extinction plans include functional behavior assessments, consistent responses, and combined strategies.
- Parents and therapists must work together with clear data and structured support to safely implement extinction procedures.
Extinction is a powerful and widely used strategy in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, especially for children with autism who display challenging behaviors. The approach focuses on identifying and removing the reinforcement that keeps a behavior going, ultimately reducing its occurrence.
According to research, around 59% of autistic children engage in behaviors that require intervention, such as self-injury, aggression, or tantrums. This highlights the importance of evidence-based strategies like extinction in supporting long-term behavioral change.
In this article, we’ll go over how extinction works, when it should be used, and what steps parents and therapists can take to ensure it’s implemented safely and effectively.
Extinction in ABA Therapy for Autism
Extinction in autism involves intentionally stopping reinforcement for a behavior so its occurrence gradually reduces. Over time, if nothing “works” for the behavior, the child is less likely to use it.
This contrasts with punishment, which adds an unpleasant consequence. Instead, extinction focuses on removing the reward, whether it’s attention, escape, or a preferred item. Proper implementation relies on understanding what’s maintaining the behavior and ensuring everyone responds the same way.
Why Use Extinction in ABA Therapy?
When a behavior gets reinforced unintentionally, extinction helps stop the cycle. It’s most effective once the function of the behavior is clear. Behaviors continue when they result in something valuable—attention, escape, sensory input, or access to objects.
Using extinction targets the underlying reason for the behavior. Without reinforcement, the behavior starts to decrease. This supports healthier alternatives and prevents reinforcement of negative or dangerous actions. It’s a cornerstone of functional interventions.
What Steps are Involved in an Extinction Procedure?
Before using extinction, a structured plan is essential. A misapplied extinction strategy can worsen behavior or put the child at risk. These steps guide safe and consistent implementation:
1. Conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
A thorough FBA helps identify why the behavior occurs and what consequences reinforce it.
Therapists observe behavior patterns, collect ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) data, and form a hypothesis about the function: attention, escape, sensory, or tangible.
2. Develop a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
A BIP outlines how extinction will be used alongside teaching alternative behaviors.
For example, if tantrums occur for attention, the plan includes ignoring tantrums and reinforcing appropriate attention-seeking.
3. Train Caregivers and Staff
Consistent responses are critical. Everyone interacting with the child must follow the extinction plan exactly. Staff and family need rehearsal and guidance to handle resistance or escalation.
4. Collect Ongoing Data
Track frequency, duration, and intensity of the behavior, as well as progress in alternative skills. Consistent data helps evaluate effectiveness and whether adjustments are needed.
5. Adjust and Maintain
Extinction rarely works overnight—initial spikes (extinction bursts) are normal. Plans may need updates if other reinforcers sneak in or if alternative behaviors aren’t effective yet.
What are Common Extinction Procedures in ABA?
Factors vary based on the function of each behavior. Each procedure targets a different function, and plans should be clear about which applies to each behavior. Common forms of extinction include:
1. Attention Extinction
Caregivers and therapists deliberately withhold reactions—like eye contact, comments, or comfort—so the behavior no longer gains attention and gradually decreases in frequency.
2. Escape Extinction
When safe, demands are maintained despite problem behavior, teaching the child that avoidance or escape is no longer a successful strategy.
3. Tangible Extinction
Access to desired objects or activities is withheld when problem behavior occurs, removing the reward that previously maintained the behavior.
4. Sensory Extinction
The environment is adjusted to block or minimize sensory feedback, reducing the internal reinforcement the child receives from the behavior.
What Challenges Can Arise During Extinction?
Implementing extinction can be emotionally taxing. Parents and practitioners often experience frustration as the child’s behavior may temporarily intensify in the form of extinction bursts.
Other potential difficulties include:
1. Inconsistent Application
When extinction is applied inconsistently—such as occasionally giving in—the behavior may become more persistent or intense due to intermittent reinforcement, making it harder to eliminate and more confusing for the child.
2. Safety Concerns
Some behaviors, like aggression or self-injury, may escalate during extinction. Without proper safety plans, the procedure can lead to harm, making it unsuitable for certain high-risk behaviors without additional safeguards.
3. Emotional Strain
Extinction can be emotionally exhausting for caregivers, especially when behaviors intensify. Frustration, guilt, or reacting emotionally may unintentionally reinforce the behavior, undermining the effectiveness of the intervention.
4. Resistance to Teaching Alternatives
If appropriate replacement behaviors aren’t clearly taught and consistently reinforced, the child may continue relying on old, problematic behaviors that previously resulted in attention, escape, or access to preferred items.
Overcoming these requires preparation, training, and support—all part of an effective ABA program.
How Can Parents Support Extinction at Home?
Parents are critical partners in extinction strategies. With proper training, changes at home can mirror those in therapy, increasing success. Working together as a team is key—therapists train, parents execute, and data guides treatment plans.
Here’s how parents can use extinction correctly:
- Follow the exact plan: Reinforce only the targeted alternative behaviors and ignore problem ones as directed.
- Prepare for extinction bursts: Expect short-term increases in behavior, and stand firm—knowing bursts are temporary helps family stay consistent.
- Stay calm and neutral: Emotional reactions, even negative ones, can serve as reinforcement.
- Reinforce replacement behavior: Praise, attention, tokens, or other rewards must follow appropriate communication or action.
How Long Does It Take for Extinction to Work?
The effectiveness of extinction in ABA therapy varies based on the child, the behavior, and the consistency of implementation. Some behaviors may decrease within a few days, while others take weeks or longer to fade.
Initially, behaviors may intensify in what’s known as an extinction burst. With consistent follow-through and reinforcement of replacement behaviors, most children show gradual improvement. Ongoing data collection helps determine when a behavior is truly decreasing versus temporarily suppressed.
When Should You Avoid Extinction in Autism?
Extinction should be avoided when a behavior poses immediate safety risks, such as aggression or self-injury, and withholding reinforcement could lead to harm. In these cases, safety takes priority over behavior reduction.
It’s also not recommended when caregivers cannot apply the plan consistently, as inconsistent extinction can worsen behaviors. If the child lacks effective replacement skills or support, other ABA strategies, like differential reinforcement, may be safer and more appropriate alternatives.
Build Effective Routines With ABA Therapy
At Pops ABA, our experienced team uses thoughtful extinction strategies alongside positive teaching to help children and families achieve meaningful progress. We emphasize consistency, safety, and data-driven interventions within the context of compassion.
We proudly offer ABA therapy in New Jersey and North Carolina, working side-by-side with parents to reduce challenging behaviors and teach effective alternatives.
Reach out to us to learn how extinction procedures can become part of a comprehensive plan that supports your child’s growth and independence.
