RBT · Behavior Reduction · 5 min read
Extinction Procedures by Function
- Define extinction and explain why it must be matched directly to the assessed function of the target behavior.
- Describe how to implement attention, escape, tangible, and sensory extinction procedures strictly according to a client's written behavior plan.
- Identify common phenomena associated with extinction, including extinction bursts, extinction-induced aggression, and spontaneous recovery, while adhering to the RBT role regarding safety and data collection.
Understanding Extinction and the Functional Match
Extinction is a behavior reduction procedure in which reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior is withheld. It is functionally defined, meaning it depends directly on identifying the specific consequence that maintains the behavior. Extinction targets the specific functional relationship between a target behavior and its maintaining consequence. Because of this, matching an extinction procedure to the assessed maintaining function is necessary for the procedure to be effective. The supervising BCBA or BCaBA uses assessment information to identify the behavior's maintaining reinforcer before including extinction in a written plan.
An RBT must never select, design, or alter an extinction procedure independently. An RBT implements extinction only when the procedure is explicitly described in the client's written behavior plan. Extinction aims to reduce the target behavior over time, but the behavior may initially increase rather than decrease gradually. It does not always stop behavior immediately. When working with clients, the RBT must remain neutral, calm, and objective without showing frustration throughout implementation.
Extinction may reduce behavior over time, but it does not teach an appropriate replacement skill. Therefore, extinction is generally paired with reinforcement for an appropriate replacement behavior, as specified in the written plan. For example, Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA) reinforces an appropriate alternative response, such as requesting a break, and may be combined with extinction for the target behavior.
Common mistakes
- Equating extinction with simply ignoring the client, regardless of whether the behavior is maintained by escape, tangible access, or automatic reinforcement.
- Giving in during an extinction burst by providing the reinforcer, which intermittently reinforces the behavior and makes it more resistant to extinction.
- Withholding all interaction and attention throughout a session rather than withholding only the specific maintaining reinforcer linked to the target behavior.
- Modifying prompting levels or stopping criteria during escape extinction without supervisor authorization instead of following the written behavior plan.
Key points
- Extinction is a functionally defined behavior reduction procedure where reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior is withheld.
- An RBT never selects or alters extinction procedures independently, implementing them only as explicitly directed in the written behavior plan.
- Extinction procedures must directly match the behavior's maintaining function: attention, escape, tangible access, or automatic reinforcement.
- Extinction alone does not teach replacement skills and is typically paired with reinforcement for appropriate alternative behaviors, such as DRA.
- Extinction bursts, extinction-induced aggression, and spontaneous recovery can occur, requiring calm, consistent plan implementation and accurate data collection.
- Inconsistent implementation provides intermittent reinforcement, making behavior more resistant to extinction; any accidental reinforcement must be documented and reported to the BCBA.
- For dangerous behaviors, RBTs must adhere strictly to written safety and crisis protocols, using approved emergency procedures when unforeseen hazards arise.
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