06/05/2026
WHAT IS EXTINCTION?
In ABA, extinction is one of the most powerful tools we have for reducing specific behaviors, but it requires a lot of patience and consistency. It works by completely removing the reinforcement that keeps an unwanted behavior going, similar to how you eventually stop pressing the button on a broken vending machine when the snacks stop dropping. 😅
The most important part of this process is weathering the extinction burst, which is the temporary spike where the behavior gets worse right before it disappears. By understanding this natural reaction and staying consistent, we can successfully phase out the unwanted behavior and clear a path to teach more functional, positive communication skills in its place. ✨