Understanding Extinction Bursts in ABA Therapy

October 7, 2024
Understanding Extinction Bursts in ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely recognized and effective therapy used to help individuals learn new skills and reduce problem behaviors. It's often used to help children with autism, but can be beneficial for people of all ages. One common phenomenon encountered in ABA therapy is the extinction burst. The increase in your behavior before giving up is a lot like an extinction burst. Let's delve deep into the concept of extinction bursts in ABA therapy, exploring their causes, characteristics, and effective management strategies.

What is an Extinction Burst?

To understand an extinction burst, we first need to understand the concept of extinction itself. Extinction occurs when we stop providing reinforcement for a behavior that was previously reinforced. In ABA therapy, reinforcement is a key principle. Reinforcement is anything that strengthens a behavior and makes it more likely to happen again. It can be positive (giving something desirable, like praise or a toy) or negative (taking away something undesirable, like a chore or a loud noise). By implementing Extinction Burst, the person's behavior will decrease over time. Essentially, the individual learns that the behavior no longer produces the desired outcome.

Characteristics of an Extinction Burst

When extinction is first implemented, it's common to see a temporary increase in the problem behavior before it decreases. This is the extinction burst. Think of it as the individual's last-ditch effort to get what they want before giving up. Here are some key characteristics:

  • Increased Frequency: The behavior happens more often. A child who usually asks for candy once a day might start asking every hour.
  • Increased Intensity: The behavior becomes more forceful or pronounced. For example, instead of just whining, a child might start screaming or throwing things.
  • Increased Duration: The behavior lasts longer. A tantrum that used to last for 5 minutes might now last for 15.
  • Novel Behaviors: New behaviors may emerge alongside the target behavior. A child might start hitting or kicking in addition to crying. This is their way of trying different tactics to see if anything works.
  • Emotional Responses: Increased frustration, aggression, or agitation may occur. The individual may become more upset or angry when their behavior doesn't produce the desired outcome.

Extinction Burst vs. Spontaneous Recovery

It's important to distinguish between an extinction burst and spontaneous recovery. An extinction burst is a temporary increase in the behavior when extinction first begins. It's like a surge of effort before the behavior starts to decline. Spontaneous recovery, on the other hand, is the reappearance of the extinguished behavior after a delay, even without reinforcement. This can happen even after the behavior has seemingly disappeared. It's like a flashback to old habits.

Why Do Extinction Bursts Occur in ABA Therapy?

Extinction bursts occur because the individual is trying to understand why their behavior is no longer working. They've learned in the past that the behavior resulted in reinforcement, so they try harder, doing it more often, longer, or more intensely, hoping to get the same result. Imagine a child who always gets a cookie when they cry. When their parents decide to stop giving cookies, the child might cry louder, longer, and more frequently at first, hoping to get that cookie back.

The Role of Frustration in Extinction Bursts

When the expected reinforcement doesn't happen, it can lead to frustration. This frustration can fuel the extinction burst as the individual becomes more agitated and persistent in their attempts to get what they want. Imagine yourself in the vending machine scenario again. If you keep pressing the button and nothing comes out, you're likely to become more and more frustrated, which might lead you to press the button even more frantically or try other tactics.

Examples of Extinction Bursts in ABA Therapy

Extinction bursts can occur in various situations and with different behaviors. Here are some specific examples in children and adults:

Extinction Burst Examples in Children

  • A child with autism who previously got attention by throwing tantrums might have an extinction burst of increased tantrums when their parents start ignoring the behavior. They might scream louder, throw themselves on the floor, or even try to hurt themselves.
  • A child who used to get out of doing chores by complaining might complain more intensely when this behavior no longer allows them to avoid chores. They might come up with more creative complaints, try to negotiate, or even pretend to be sick.

Extinction Burst Examples in Adults

  • An adult who used to get their way by arguing might argue more forcefully when others stop giving in to their demands. They might raise their voice, interrupt others, or become verbally aggressive.
  • A person who used to escape social situations by feigning illness might exaggerate their symptoms when this tactic no longer works. They might claim to have a more severe illness or invent new symptoms.

How to Manage Extinction Bursts in ABA Therapy

Managing extinction bursts requires consistency and a well-defined plan. It's crucial to be prepared for the temporary increase in behavior and have strategies in place to deal with it effectively.

Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

  • Remain Calm: It's crucial to remain calm and neutral during an extinction burst. Reacting emotionally can inadvertently reinforce the behavior. If you get angry or upset, the individual might learn that escalating their behavior gets a reaction from you.
  • Ignore the Behavior: If the behavior is attention-seeking, ignoring it can be an effective strategy. This means not giving the individual any attention, such as eye contact, verbal responses, or physical touch, while the behavior is occurring.
  • Provide Positive Reinforcement for Alternative Behaviors: Reinforce appropriate behaviors that serve the same function as the problem behavior. For example, if a child is throwing a tantrum to get attention, reinforce them when they ask for attention politely. This teaches them a more acceptable way to get their needs met.

The Role of the ABA Therapist in Managing Extinction Bursts

ABA therapists play a crucial role in managing extinction bursts. They can:

  • Conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): This is a systematic process for identifying the function of the behavior. Why is the individual engaging in this behavior? What are they trying to achieve? Understanding the function is key to developing effective intervention strategies.
  • Develop an Extinction Plan: This includes identifying the specific behavior to be extinguished, the reinforcement that is maintaining it, and the strategies for managing the extinction burst. The plan should be tailored to the individual's needs and the specific context in which the behavior occurs.
  • Train Parents and Caregivers: Therapists provide guidance and support to parents and caregivers on how to implement the extinction plan consistently. This includes teaching them how to identify the behavior, withhold reinforcement, and reinforce alternative behaviors.
  • Monitor Progress: Therapists collect data to track the frequency and intensity of the behavior and make adjustments to the plan as needed. This helps to ensure that the extinction procedure is effective and that the individual is making progress.

Reinforcement of Alternative Behaviors

Teaching and reinforcing replacement behaviors is essential for successful extinction. This gives the individual a more appropriate way to get their needs met. For example, if a child throws tantrums to escape demands, they can be taught to request a break or ask for help. This teaches them a more socially acceptable way to communicate their needs and avoid frustrating situations.

Long-Term Benefis of Extinction Burst ABA Therapy

While extinction bursts can be challenging in the short term, they are an important part of the learning process and can lead to significant long-term benefits.

Reducing Problem Behaviors

By consistently withholding reinforcement for unwanted behaviors, extinction helps to decrease their frequency and intensity over time. This can lead to a significant reduction in challenging behaviors that interfere with learning, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

Increasing Functional Behaviors

Extinction is most effective when combined with the reinforcement of alternative, more appropriate behaviors. This helps individuals learn new skills and strategies for getting their needs met in a socially acceptable way. For example, a child who learns to ask for a break instead of having a tantrum is developing a more functional way to communicate their needs.

Improving Quality of Life

By reducing problem behaviors and increasing functional behaviors, extinction can contribute to a significant improvement in the quality of life for individuals and their families. Children may experience greater success in school and social settings, while adults may find it easier to maintain relationships and participate in daily activities.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Extinction Bursts

Extinction bursts can be challenging to manage, and it's common to encounter obstacles along the way. Here are some common challenges and how to address them:

Why Extinction Bursts Can Be Difficult to Manage

  • Emotional Challenges: It can be emotionally draining to deal with increased problem behaviors during an extinction burst. Parents and caregivers may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or even guilty. It's important to have a support system in place and to practice self-care during this challenging time.
  • Accidental Reinforcement: It's easy to accidentally reinforce the behavior during an extinction burst, especially if the behavior is very intense or disruptive. For example, if a child is screaming and throwing things, a parent might give in and give them what they want just to make it stop. This can inadvertently reinforce the behavior and make it more likely to occur in the future.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you're struggling to manage an extinction burst, or if the behavior is dangerous or causing significant distress, it's important to seek professional help from an ABA therapist. They can provide guidance, support, and evidence-based strategies to help you navigate this challenging phase.

Get Specialized Treatment with ChildWise ABA

If you're concerned about your child's behavior or think they might benefit from ABA therapy, ChildWise ABA offers specialized treatment programs tailored to each child's unique needs. At ChildWise ABA, we have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Our BCBAs have extensive training and expertise in ABA therapy and are passionate about helping children reach their full potential. RBTs work closely with BCBAs to implement individualized treatment plans and provide direct support to children and families. To learn more about how ChildWise ABA can help your child, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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