Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is widely recognized for its effectiveness in helping individuals, especially those with autism, learn new skills and modify challenging behaviors. A key concept that often comes up in ABA therapy is the extinction burst. If you’re wondering, “What is extinction burst in ABA and why does it matter?” you’re not alone. This phenomenon can be confusing but is an important part of understanding how behaviors change during therapy.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what an extinction burst is, why it happens, and how it fits into an ABA therapy plan. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of why this short-term increase in undesired behavior is actually a sign of progress.
Understanding Extinction in ABA
Before discussing the extinction burst, it’s essential to grasp what extinction is in the context of ABA therapy. Extinction refers to the process of reducing or eliminating a problem behavior by consistently withholding the reinforcement that was maintaining it.
For example, if a child throws tantrums to get attention and that attention is consistently withheld during tantrums, the tantrum behavior will eventually decrease. However, before it decreases, you may notice an extinction burst—a temporary increase in the intensity or frequency of the behavior. This can be frustrating for parents and caregivers, but it’s a common and expected part of the process.
What is Extinction Burst in ABA?
An extinction burst happens when a behavior that was previously reinforced suddenly becomes unreinforced, and instead of decreasing immediately, the behavior temporarily escalates. This increase in behavior is a natural reaction to the lack of reinforcement, as the individual attempts to return to the previous, successful strategy.
In simpler terms, the child is essentially saying, “Wait, this used to work! Maybe if I try harder, it will work again.” The behavior may intensify before eventually decreasing when the child realizes that the desired outcome (like attention, a toy, or avoiding a task) is no longer available.
Key Characteristics of an Extinction Burst:
- Increase in behavior: The problematic behavior may occur more frequently or with greater intensity.
- Temporary: Although it might feel overwhelming at the moment, an extinction burst is usually short-lived.
- Sign of progress: While challenging, an extinction burst indicates that the behavior change process is underway.
Why Does an Extinction Burst Happen?
Now that we’ve answered what is extinction burst in ABA, let’s talk about why it happens. When a behavior has been reinforced for an extended period, the individual learns to rely on that behavior to get what they want. Once the reinforcement is removed, it’s natural for the person to try harder at first to regain the outcome.
Think of it like using a vending machine. If you’ve always received a snack after inserting your money and pressing a button, you expect the same outcome each time. But if one day the machine doesn’t deliver, what’s your first reaction? You probably press the button harder or repeatedly, thinking maybe it will work if you try more intensely. That’s the vending machine version of an extinction burst!
The same applies to children in ABA therapy. They may increase the problematic behavior, hoping it will eventually result in the desired reinforcement.
How Long Does an Extinction Burst Last?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long an extinction burst lasts. It depends on several factors, such as the individual’s history with the behavior and how long the behavior has been reinforced. Some extinction bursts may last only a few days, while others could take weeks to fully subside.
However, consistency in withholding reinforcement is key. If reinforcement is given even once during an extinction burst, the behavior may persist longer and become harder to eliminate. This is why it’s critical to work closely with ABA therapists to ensure that everyone involved remains consistent during this phase.
Examples of Extinction Bursts in ABA
To better understand what is extinction burst in ABA, it helps to see how it plays out in real-life scenarios. Here are a few examples that demonstrate common extinction bursts during ABA therapy.
Example 1: Attention-Seeking Behaviors
- Before Extinction: A child screams or throws objects to get their parents’ attention. The parents often react by giving attention, whether it’s comforting the child or scolding them.
- During Extinction: The parents stop reacting to the screaming or throwing. In response, the child might scream louder or throw more objects as part of the extinction burst.
- Result: After realizing that the behavior no longer results in attention, the child eventually stops screaming and throwing.
Example 2: Avoiding Tasks
- Before Extinction: A child avoids doing homework by crying or running away. The parent gives in and allows them to skip the task.
- During Extinction: The parent no longer allows the child to avoid homework. During the extinction burst, the child may cry louder or try harder to escape the task.
- Result: Over time, the child learns that avoiding the task no longer works and eventually complies with doing their homework.
Example 3: Tantrums for Toys
- Before Extinction: A child throws a tantrum whenever they want a toy, and the caregiver gives them the toy to calm them down.
- During Extinction: The caregiver stops giving the toy during tantrums. As a result, the child’s tantrum may escalate during the extinction burst.
- Result: Once the child realizes that tantrums no longer lead to getting the toy, the behavior decreases.
What Happens After the Extinction Burst?
Once the extinction burst subsides, parents and therapists often see a significant reduction in the problem behavior. The child learns that the behavior is no longer effective, leading to long-term behavior change. This is the ultimate goal of ABA therapy: to reduce harmful or disruptive behaviors and replace them with more appropriate responses.
However, in some cases, spontaneous recovery may occur, where the problem behavior briefly reappears after some time. If spontaneous recovery happens, it’s essential to stay consistent with the behavior plan to ensure the behavior doesn’t return in the long term.
Tips for Managing an Extinction Burst
Understanding what is extinction burst in ABA is only the first step. Knowing how to handle it is just as important. Here are some tips to manage the process effectively:
- Stay Consistent: The most crucial factor in managing an extinction burst is consistency. Ensure that everyone involved with the child’s care is on the same page about withholding reinforcement.
- Reinforce Positive Behaviors: While withholding reinforcement for negative behaviors, don’t forget to actively reinforce positive behaviors.
- Expect an Increase: Be mentally prepared for the behavior to get worse before it gets better. Knowing that this is part of the process can help you stay calm.
- Work with Your ABA Therapist: An experienced ABA therapist can guide you through this phase and offer strategies to make it more manageable.
- Document Progress: Keep track of how the behavior changes over time. Data collection is a big part of ABA therapy, and tracking progress can provide reassurance during difficult times.
Bright Bridge ABA: Supporting Families Through ABA Therapy in North Carolina
If you’re looking for effective, compassionate ABA therapy in North Carolina, Bright Bridge ABA is here to help. We understand the challenges families face during extinction bursts and throughout the entire behavior modification process. Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to providing personalized ABA therapy services that meet your child’s unique needs.
Take the Next Step with Bright Bridge ABA
At Bright Bridge ABA, we offer evidence-based ABA therapy to help children with autism develop essential skills and reduce problematic behaviors. If you’re dealing with difficult behaviors like those discussed in this article, our team can provide the support and guidance you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child thrive through ABA therapy in North Carolina.