Extinction-Autism

Extinction Fact Sheet

Extinction (EXT) is a strategy based on applied behavior analysis that is used to reduce or eliminate a challenging behavior. The extinction procedure relies on accurately identifying the function of the behavior and the consequences that may be reinforcing its occurrence. The conse- quence that is believed to reinforce the occurrence of the target challenging behavior is removed or withdrawn, resulting in a decrease of the target behavior. An initial increase in the challenging behavior (often called an “extinction burst”) is common before eventually being extinguished. Extinction should not be used in isolation. Other practices that are used in combination with extinction include differential reinforcement and functional behavior assessment.

​Qualifying Evidence
EXT meets evidence-based criteria with 11 single case design studies.

Ages
According to the evidence-based studies, this intervention has been effective for preschoolers (3-5 years) to high school-age learners (15-18 years) with ASD.

Outcomes
EXT can be used effectively to address communication, behavior, school-readiness, and adaptive skills.

Reference 
Fleury, V. P. (2013). Extinction (EXT) fact sheet. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Adapted from:
Sullivan, L., & Bogin, J. (2010). Overview of extinction. Sacramento: University of California at Davis School of Medi-
cine, M.I.N.D. Institute, The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders.