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Extinction | ABA Definition

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Summary

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Extinction is a way to change behavior by not rewarding it anymore. It’s like when a child stops doing something they used to get a treat for because they don’t get it anymore. With time and patience, the behavior will disappear.

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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When should extinction be used?

Extinction should only be used as part of a comprehensive behavior change program and under the guidance of a qualified professional. It should not be used in dangerous or harmful situations, or as a punishment.

Can extinction be used for all behaviors?

No, extinction may not be appropriate for all behaviors and should be used with caution. Certain behaviors may require alternative behavior change techniques or a different approach.

How long does it take for extinction to work?

The amount of time it takes for extinction to work varies and depends on many factors such as the frequency of the behavior, the individual, and the reinforcement history. It may take several weeks to several months for a behavior to decrease as a result of extinction.

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Scientific Definition

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Extinction is a principle in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that refers to the disappearance of a behavior. In ABA, extinction decreases unwanted behaviors by no longer reinforcing them. For example, if a child receives candy every time they throw a tantrum, they may learn that having a tantrum is a way to get candy. However, if the candy is no longer given when the tantrum occurs, the child will eventually stop throwing tantrums. This is because the behavior is no longer being reinforced or rewarded. Extinction can be an effective tool in reducing unwanted behaviors and teaching new, appropriate behaviors. However, it’s important to note that extinction can sometimes result in an increase in undesirable behavior, called an extinction burst, before it finally decreases. Being patient and consistent when using extinction to change a behavior is essential.

Video Explanation

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Real World Example of Extinction in ABA

Meet Susie, a lively and curious child. Susie loved playing with her toys, but she had a habit of throwing tantrums whenever she wanted attention. Her parents decided to use Extinction in ABA to help her learn more appropriate ways of seeking attention.

  • One evening, Susie started throwing a tantrum, demanding her parents’ attention while they were on the phone.
  • Instead of giving in, her parents remained calm and ignored the tantrum, not reinforcing the behavior with attention.
  • At first, Susie’s tantrums intensified, hoping for a reaction, but her parents stayed consistent.
  • As days passed, Susie realized that tantrums no longer got her the attention she sought, so she tried a different approach.
  • She started asking politely for attention, and when her parents noticed her good behavior, they warmly responded and praised her.
  • Over time, Susie’s tantrums decreased significantly, and she learned the value of positive communication.

Through Extinction in ABA, Susie’s parents helped her replace unwanted behaviors with more appropriate ones, promoting positive development and communication skills.

How Does Extinction in ABA Work?

Extinction in ABA is a technique that reduces unwanted behaviors by no longer reinforcing them. Let’s explore how it works and see some practical examples in action.

  • Tantrums: If a child throws a tantrum to get attention, ignoring the tantrum (not reinforcing it with attention) can lead to a decrease in tantrum behavior.
  • Whining: If a child whines to get a toy, not giving in to the whining and waiting for them to ask appropriately can reduce whining.
  • Interrupting: If a child interrupts conversations, teaching them to wait politely for a turn can replace the interrupting behavior.
  • Picky Eating: If a child refuses certain foods, not offering preferred alternatives can encourage trying new foods.
  • Screaming for Toys: If a child screams for a toy in a store, not buying the toy can decrease the screaming behavior.

Extinction in ABA is a potent tool to reduce unwanted behaviors through withholding reinforcement. Goally’s tablet offers apps that aid kids in developing life, language, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social skills, making learning engaging and enjoyable.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 9, 2023. It was updated on July 21, 2023.

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