G15 | ABA Exam Review

Extinction is a major behavior change procedure in the context of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
It is one of the three primary methods of behavior change, alongside reinforcement and punishment.
Extinction is a powerful tactic but must be implemented systematically with attention to potential side effects.
Importance of understanding programming, training, and preparation for extinction.

Extinction can be defined as:
- Withholding or discontinuing reinforcement for behavior that was previously reinforced.
- Reinforcement is responsible for behavior persistence; thus, cutting off reinforcement leads to extinction.
- Example: A teacher stops scolding a disruptive student who was previously reinforced by the attention received from scolding.

Response Requirement: The behavior must occur for extinction to take effect; simply blocking a response does not equate to extinction.
Distinction from Punishment:
- Extinction is not the same as punishment.
- Punishment involves adding or removing consequences to reduce behavior (positive and negative punishment).
- Extinction specifically involves withholding reinforcement, not adding or taking away stimuli.

Functional Extinction:
- This type of extinction intervention is aligned with the function of the behavior.
- Necessary to perform functional analyses to identify the behavior's function.
- Understanding the function helps determine the specific reinforcement that must be withheld.
- Examples of functions include:
- Tangibles: Withholding tangible rewards to address behaviors seeking material items.
- Escape: Preventing escape to address behaviors aimed at avoiding tasks or situations.
Procedural Extinction:
- Ignoring the behavior without regard for its function.; generally less preferred.

Secondary Effects of Extinction:
- Stakeholders, such as parents, must be informed about possible side effects prior to applying extinction.
- Challenges with implementation include:
- Extinction bursts: Temporary increases in behavior when extinction begins, indicating that extinction may be effective.
- Emotional outbursts and aggression from previously reinforced individuals or clients.
- Response variation: Clients may develop new behaviors to seek reinforcement when the original behavior no longer works.
- Spontaneous Recovery:
  - The sudden re-emergence of an extinct behavior after it has been reduced.
- Resurgence:
  - The return of the original behavior when a replacement behavior no longer earns reinforcement.

Resistance to extinction can arise due to:
- A long history of reinforcement making behavior change difficult.
- The reinforcement being high-value to the individual.
- The amount of effort required to engage in the behavior.
- Previous exposure to extinction affecting expectations and behavior.
Behavior analysts must effectively communicate the potential challenges, including the possibility of longer duration and difficulty in extinction success.

Consistency is Key:
- Reinforcement must be withheld every single time to ensure effective extinction.
- Ideally, achieving a 100% consistency is preferred, with 95% being adequate; 70% is too low and can worsen behavior.
Collaboration with Stakeholders:
- It is vital that all stakeholders involved are aware and on board with the extinction process.
- Coordination ensures that the same reinforcement withholding tactics are employed consistently across various settings.
- Behavior analysts must be available to explain, train, and support stakeholders during implementation.

Extinction is a powerful method for reducing problematic behavior in ABA.
It requires careful planning to address side effects and ensure all involved are prepared for challenges that may arise.
Behavior analysts must remain transparent about the process, explaining potential increases in targeted behavior and the importance of consistency in execution to stakeholders.
Extinction is best used in conjunction with reinforcing new, appropriate behaviors.