Have you ever wondered why a child’s behavior might get worse before it improves or why an old behavior might suddenly resurface? It’s a common occurrence in applied behavior analysis, but the answer lies in two fascinating phenomena: extinction bursts and spontaneous recovery.
While they may seem similar, they are distinct occurrences that require different responses. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between spontaneous recovery and extinction bursts, helping you better understand how to manage behavior change effectively.
What is an Extinction Burst?
An extinction burst is a temporary increase in the frequency, intensity, or duration of a behavior after the reinforcement that once maintained that behavior has been removed. When a child engages in a behavior and is no longer reinforced (e.g., no longer getting attention for a tantrum), the behavior may actually get worse before it gets better.
For example, imagine a child who often screams to get attention. If the behavior is no longer reinforced — meaning that caregivers or therapists do not respond to the screaming — the child may scream louder, more frequently, or for a longer period in an attempt to gain attention. This sudden escalation is the extinction burst. It’s important to note that this increase in behavior is temporary and often short-lived.
What is Spontaneous Recovery?
Spontaneous recovery is the reappearance of a previously extinguished behavior after some time has passed without reinforcement. Unlike an extinction burst, spontaneous recovery occurs after the behavior has decreased or stopped entirely.
For example, let’s say a child used to whine to get their way but learned that whining would no longer result in reinforcement.
After a few days of reduced whining, the child may start whining again, even though they had stopped for a while. This reappearance of behavior is called spontaneous recovery. It can happen even after extinction procedures have been successful, and it may seem as though the behavior is “back,” but it’s simply a part of the learning process.
Key Differences Between Extinction Burst and Spontaneous Recovery
While extinction bursts and spontaneous recovery are both reactions to the removal of reinforcement, they occur at different times during the behavior change process and manifest in distinct ways.
Timing
An extinction burst happens immediately after reinforcement is removed, when the individual is trying to get the behavior reinforced again. On the other hand, spontaneous recovery occurs after a period of time has passed since the behavior was extinguished.
Behavior Pattern
In the case of an extinction burst, there is a sudden increase in the frequency, intensity, or duration of the behavior. The individual might escalate the behavior, thinking that if they do it more intensely, they’ll get the reinforcement back.
In contrast, spontaneous recovery is the reappearance of a behavior that had previously been extinguished. The behavior comes back after some time without reinforcement, even if it had stopped for a while.
Duration
An extinction burst tends to be short-lived. The behavior spikes but usually only lasts a brief period. In comparison, spontaneous recovery may be brief as well, but the behavior may reappear intermittently over time, which can be concerning if not addressed properly.
Implication
Both phenomena can be alarming, but they are expected parts of the behavior change process. An extinction burst is often viewed as a temporary setback—it signals that the behavior is on its way out but may get worse before it completely fades.
Spontaneous recovery, on the other hand, might be interpreted as a sign that continued consistency is necessary in the treatment plan to prevent the behavior from coming back.
Why Do These Happen?
Both extinction bursts and spontaneous recovery are a natural part of the learning process and behavior change. Here’s why they occur:
- Extinction Burst: When a behavior is no longer reinforced, the individual may try to intensify the behavior, thinking that if they do it harder or longer, they will eventually get reinforcement. This is a natural part of extinction, as the individual is testing the new reality that reinforcement is no longer available.
- Spontaneous Recovery: Over time, the individual may forget or momentarily “slip” back into old habits, and the behavior may reappear. This is a normal part of the learning process, as previous reinforcement history can influence future behavior. The behavior is not likely to remain if extinction procedures are consistently applied.
What This Means for Parents and RBTs
Both extinction bursts and spontaneous recovery can be challenging to manage, but they are not signs that the behavior change plan is failing. In fact, they are expected, and knowing how to handle them will help the process move forward more smoothly.
Here are some important takeaways for parents and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs):
- Extinction Burst is Temporary: When you see a spike in behavior, remind yourself that it is a temporary phase. This is the behavior’s final attempt to get reinforcement. Do not reinforce the behavior, as this will only strengthen it. Stay consistent with your plan.
- Stay Consistent During Spontaneous Recovery: If a behavior reappears after a period of reduction, it’s tempting to think the plan has failed. However, this is a natural part of the process. Continue to ignore the behavior and reinforce alternative behaviors. With time, the behavior will eventually fade.
- Track Data: Use data to track the frequency and intensity of behaviors. This helps to identify when a burst or spontaneous recovery might be happening, and it provides a clearer picture of the overall progress in behavior change.
- Patience and Persistence: Both extinction bursts and spontaneous recovery require patience. Remember, consistency is key! With time and continued adherence to your behavior plan, these behaviors will decrease, and new skills will be learned.
Conclusion
To manage extinction bursts and spontaneous recovery effectively, consistency is key. While these phases can feel uncomfortable, it’s important to remember that they are temporary and part of the learning process.
The most crucial thing is to avoid reinforcing undesired behaviors during these times. With ongoing persistence, careful tracking of progress, and close collaboration with your BCBA, you’ll see these behaviors gradually fade, making room for more adaptive behaviors to emerge.
Childwise ABA provides comprehensive ABA therapy in Ohio and nearby states like Michigan and Colorado to support your child throughout this journey. Contact us today to ensure that each step, no matter how challenging, brings you closer to your long-term goals.