Extinction is a way to stop a problem behavior by no longer reinforcing it. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) means understanding why a behavior happens and removing what causes it to continue.
Extinction is a way to stop a problem behavior by no longer reinforcing it. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) means understanding why a behavior happens and removing what causes it to continue.
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.
Extinction in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a procedure aimed at decreasing or eliminating a problem behavior by discontinuing the reinforcement that maintains it. This method involves identifying the function of the behavior and then ensuring the individual no longer has access to the reinforcer, thereby extinguishing the behavior. For instance, if a child receives attention for tantrums, the extinction process would involve not giving attention when the tantrum occurs.
Extinction helps stop problem behaviors by removing their reinforcement. Here’s how it can be applied:
| Situation | Behavior | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tantrums | Crying | Ignore the behavior |
| Refusal | Avoidance | Insist on completion |
| Attention-seeking | Negative acts | Do not respond |
Using extinction in ABA helps kids learn that certain behaviors won’t get the desired response, encouraging more positive actions.
This post was originally published on Feb. 9, 2023. It was updated on May 24, 2024.
