What Is Extinction?
Extinction is the discontinuation of reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior. When the maintaining reinforcer is no longer delivered contingent on the behavior, the behavior will decrease over time. Extinction is function-based: the specific procedure depends on what is maintaining the behavior.
Function-Based Extinction
For attention-maintained behavior: withhold attention following the behavior (planned ignoring). For escape-maintained behavior: do not allow escape; continue presenting the demand (escape extinction). For tangible-maintained behavior: do not provide the tangible item following the behavior. For automatically-maintained behavior: attempt to block or mask the sensory consequence (most difficult to implement).
Extinction Bursts
When extinction is first implemented, the behavior often temporarily increases in frequency, duration, or intensity before beginning to decrease. This is called an extinction burst. It is a normal and expected part of the extinction process. Caregivers and staff must be prepared for this increase and must not inadvertently reinforce the intensified behavior. If they give in during the burst, they will strengthen the behavior at a higher intensity.
Spontaneous Recovery
After a behavior has been successfully extinguished, it may temporarily reappear (spontaneous recovery). This is also a normal part of the process and does not mean extinction has failed. Continue withholding reinforcement, and the behavior will decrease again, typically more quickly than the initial extinction.
Clinical Considerations
Extinction should almost always be combined with reinforcement of an alternative behavior (DRA). Using extinction alone does not teach the individual what they should do instead. Consider the potential for extinction-induced aggression or emotional responses. Obtain informed consent before implementing extinction, especially for escape extinction. Ensure all relevant caregivers and staff implement extinction consistently to avoid intermittent reinforcement.