One key principle in ABA is extinction, a technique used to decrease undesirable behaviors by stopping the reinforcement that maintains them.
While this concept may sound straightforward, applying extinction in real-life scenarios can be both effective and challenging, depending on the context and the behavior being targeted.
Here, we will explore extinction in ABA therapy and provide you with clear, practical examples of how this technique is used in real life.
What is Extinction in ABA?
In ABA, extinction refers to the process of withholding reinforcement for a behavior that was previously reinforced. When a child or individual performs a behavior and receives a reward, this behavior is more likely to occur in the future.
Extinction is used to reduce the frequency of a behavior by no longer providing the reward or reinforcement after the behavior is exhibited. Over time, the individual learns that the behavior no longer brings about the desired result, and the behavior decreases or stops altogether.
Importantly, extinction can be challenging because when reinforcement is first withheld, the behavior often increases temporarily before it starts to decrease. This initial rise in behavior is known as an extinction burst.
It can be distressing for caregivers or professionals to see the behavior worsen before improving, but this is a normal part of the process.
With that out of the way, let’s explore some real-life examples of how extinction can be used in various situations.
Extinction in the Classroom Setting
One common place where extinction is applied is in classrooms, especially when it comes to managing disruptive behaviors like tantrums or outbursts.
Imagine a young student who often gets up from their seat during lessons, talks loudly, or distracts others to receive attention from the teacher. The student has learned that by engaging in these behaviors, they will get the teacher’s attention, even if it’s negative (e.g., the teacher may say, “Stop that!” or “Sit down”).
To address this, a teacher might decide to use extinction by withholding any form of attention when the student engages in these disruptive behaviors. Instead of reacting to the attention-seeking behavior by scolding or addressing the child, the teacher remains neutral and continues with the lesson as if nothing happened.
Over time, the student learns that the behavior no longer gets the desired result and will likely reduce the frequency of the disruptive behavior.
However, in the short term, the student might escalate the disruptive behavior, hoping to get the teacher’s attention. This is the extinction burst. The teacher should remain consistent, avoid giving in, and not provide attention during the burst.
Eventually, the behavior will decline as the student learns that the outbursts are no longer effective.
Extinction in the Home Environment
In a home environment, extinction is often used to manage tantrums, especially with younger children.
For example, a toddler might have a tantrum in the grocery store when they want a toy or candy. If the parent frequently gives in and buys the toy or candy to stop the tantrum, the child has learned that throwing a tantrum is an effective way to get what they want.
To apply extinction, the parent can choose to no longer respond to the tantrum by giving in to the request. Instead, they calmly ignore the behavior and continue shopping as planned. Initially, the child might escalate their behavior by yelling louder, crying more intensely, or even lying on the floor in frustration.
This is the extinction burst. The parent must stay calm and resist the temptation to give in to the child’s demands, remaining consistent in their decision to ignore the tantrum.
Over time, the child will learn that throwing a tantrum no longer results in a reward (the toy or candy), and the frequency of the tantrum will gradually decrease. However, consistency is key, and the parent mustn’t give in at any point during the extinction process.
Extinction for Problematic Behavior in Social Settings
Another real-life example of extinction is in social settings. For example, a child who is always seeking attention from peers by interrupting conversations may become frustrated when they are ignored. If the child learns that interrupting leads to getting attention from others, they may continue this behavior frequently.
In this case, extinction could be used by teaching peers and adults to ignore the interruptions. Whenever the child interrupts, the other people involved simply continue the conversation as if the interruption did not happen.
Over time, the child will learn that their interruptions no longer produce the attention they were seeking and will eventually stop the behavior.
The extinction burst may manifest as the child interrupting more aggressively or more frequently at first, but the key is for the group to remain consistent and not reinforce the behavior with attention.
Extinction in Speech Therapy
In speech therapy, a common goal for many individuals is to reduce the use of filler words like “um,” “like,” or “you know” when speaking. If the person uses these words and gets a positive response (such as laughter or a comment from the therapist), they may continue to use these fillers to get the same response.
To apply extinction in this situation, the therapist may choose to ignore the filler words altogether, not providing any reaction to them. The therapist continues with the session as if nothing happened, while reinforcing other aspects of speech such as clear articulation, pauses, and effective communication.
Over time, the individual will stop using these fillers as a way to gain attention or a reaction, knowing that the strategy is no longer effective.
Extinction in Potty Training
Potty training is another situation where extinction can be helpful. Imagine a young child who refuses to use the toilet and will only go in their diaper. If the parents or caregivers give in to the child’s resistance by allowing them to continue using diapers when they demand it, they are reinforcing the behavior.
Over time, the child will associate using the toilet with positive outcomes, and the behavior of resisting the toilet will decrease.
Conclusion
Extinction is a valuable and widely used technique in ABA therapy that helps reduce problematic behaviors by removing the reinforcement that sustains them. Through consistent and patient application, extinction can help individuals learn new, more appropriate behaviors and can be used in various settings, including homes, classrooms, therapy sessions, and social environments.
Although it can be challenging, especially during the initial stages, understanding and applying extinction correctly can lead to long-term positive changes in behavior.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, mastering the use of extinction can greatly enhance your ability to support individuals in developing more positive behaviors and achieving their goals. At Jade ABA Therapy, we specialize in delivering high-quality ABA therapy tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. Our autism programs in Maryland are designed with care and expertise to ensure that every client receives personalized, effective support.
If you’re interested in learning more or would like to discuss how our services can benefit you or your loved one, feel free to contact us today. We’re here to help!
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