An extinction burst is a phenomenon that may occur during Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced. It refers to a temporary increase in the frequency, intensity, or duration of the behavior before it eventually decreases or goes extinct.
Understanding extinction bursts is crucial for both parents and professionals involved in ABA therapy, as it can help them navigate this challenging phase with knowledge and confidence. In this article, we will explore the nature of extinction bursts, why they occur, and how to effectively deal with them.
An extinction burst is a phenomenon that may occur during Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced. It refers to a temporary increase in the frequency, intensity, or duration of the behavior before it eventually decreases or goes extinct. Understanding extinction bursts is crucial for both parents and professionals involved in ABA therapy, as it can help them navigate this challenging phase with knowledge and confidence.
Extinction bursts can manifest in various ways depending on the individual and the behavior being targeted for extinction. Some common examples of extinction bursts include increased vocalizations, tantrums, aggression, self-injurious behaviors, or repetitive and stereotypical behaviors. These behaviors may occur more frequently, become more intense, or last longer than they did before the extinction process began.
Extinction bursts occur because when a behavior is no longer reinforced, the individual may engage in the behavior more intensely or frequently in an attempt to obtain the desired reinforcement. This is a natural response to the change in the environment. The individual is essentially testing to see if the behavior still has the potential to produce the desired outcome, even though it has been consistently met with extinction.
Addressing extinction bursts, a common occurrence in ABA therapy, requires strategic and persistent efforts. Persistence is key—once a particular behavior is no longer reinforced, it's imperative not to succumb to the challenging behavior despite its temporary escalation.
Succumbing even once might suggest to the individual that the behavior will achieve their intended outcome, inadvertently extending the duration of the extinction process. Meanwhile, introducing and consistently reinforcing alternative, more constructive behaviors can serve as a viable replacement for the undesirable behavior. With consistent reinforcement of these positive behaviors, it is feasible to shift the individual's attention and lessen both the severity and the occurrence rate of the extinction bursts.
In conclusion, understanding extinction bursts is crucial for both parents and professionals involved in ABA therapy. An extinction burst refers to a temporary increase in the frequency, intensity, or duration of a previously reinforced behavior before it eventually decreases or goes extinct.
Extinction bursts can manifest in various ways, such as increased vocalizations, aggression, or repetitive behaviors. These bursts occur because individuals may intensify or increase the behavior in an attempt to obtain the desired reinforcement, even though it has been consistently met with extinction.
Dealing with extinction bursts requires strategic and persistent efforts. It is important not to succumb to the challenging behavior, as even one instance of reinforcement could prolong the extinction process.
Instead, introducing and consistently reinforcing alternative, more constructive behaviors can serve as a viable replacement for the undesirable behavior. By consistently reinforcing positive behaviors, it is possible to shift the individual's attention and reduce the severity and occurrence rate of extinction bursts. By understanding the nature of extinction bursts and how to effectively deal with them, parents and professionals can navigate this challenging phase of ABA therapy with knowledge and confidence. This empowers them to guide individuals towards more positive and functional behaviors.
