What is an Extinction Burst in ABA Therapy?
An extinction burst is a temporary increase in the frequency, intensity, or duration of a behavior after a reinforcement is removed. In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), extinction procedures are used to decrease interfering behaviors by withholding the reinforcement that was previously maintaining them.
- When the reinforcement stops, the behavior may escalate before it decreases.
- This escalation is known as an extinction burst.
- It is not a sign that the intervention isn’t working.
- In fact, it often signals that the behavior is being disrupted and change is beginning.
Extinction bursts are a critical concept in ABA therapy, especially when working with children with autism who exhibit patterns of behavior maintained by attention, access to items, escape, or automatic input.
For example, if a child previously received attention for screaming and that attention is suddenly removed, the child might initially scream louder or longer before the behavior starts to diminish.
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Examples of Extinction Bursts in ABA Therapy
Example 1: Attention-Maintained Behavior
A child yells to get a parent’s attention. In ABA, the Behavior Technician implements an extinction procedure by teaching the parent to withhold attention from the yelling, without ignoring the child, and only respond to appropriate requests. Initially, the yelling intensifies before gradually fading out.
Example 2: Escape-Maintained Behavior
A student throws items during difficult academic tasks to avoid the work. The Behavior Technician removes the escape contingency and ensures the task continues. The throwing may temporarily escalate before decreasing as the child learns it no longer leads to escape.
Example 3: Automatic-Maintained Behavior
A child repeatedly flaps their hands for sensory input as it is automatically reinforcing. An extinction approach might involve replacing the flapping with a functional alternative. The flapping could briefly increase in speed or intensity before it reduces.
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FAQs About Extinction Bursts in ABA Therapy
How long does an extinction burst last?
The length of an extinction burst can vary. The duration depends on the individual, the behavior’s reinforcement history, and consistency in applying the extinction procedure.
Is an extinction burst a sign that ABA isn’t working?
No. An extinction burst is a common and expected part of behavior change. It often signals that the reinforcement maintaining the behavior has been successfully identified and is being withheld.
Can extinction bursts be dangerous?
Yes, in some cases. If the interfering behavior involves aggression or self-injury, the burst may increase the risk of harm. In such cases, professionals should implement the extinction plan alongside safety protocols and supervision.
What should caregivers do during an extinction burst?
Caregivers should stay consistent with the intervention plan and avoid unintentionally reinforcing the behavior. They should work closely with ABA clinicians to maintain a safe and effective strategy.
Do all behaviors have an extinction burst?
Not always. Some behaviors decrease without a burst. However, many behaviors, especially those reinforced over a long period, are likely to show a burst when reinforcement is removed. Extinction burst research provides insights to potentially mitigate or prevent extinction bursts.
Key Takeaways About Extinction Bursts in ABA Therapy
- An extinction burst is a short-term increase in a behavior after reinforcement is removed.
- It often appears when behavior interventions are first applied.
- Extinction bursts are temporary and not a sign of failure.
- In ABA, clinicians plan for these bursts and coach caregivers to respond safely and consistently.
- Monitoring and data collection help track progress through the extinction phase.
