Extinction
The procedure of withholding the reinforcement that previously maintained a behavior, which leads to a gradual decrease in that behavior.
Extinction occurs when a behavior that was previously reinforced no longer produces the reinforcing consequence, resulting in a decline of the behavior over time. Because extinction is defined by the function of the behavior, it is implemented by identifying and discontinuing the specific reinforcer maintaining it, such as withholding attention for an attention-maintained behavior.
Extinction is rarely used alone. It is most effective and most ethical when paired with reinforcement of an appropriate replacement behavior, so the individual still has a way to meet the underlying need. This pairing reduces the unwanted behavior while building a functional alternative.
Teams should anticipate an extinction burst, a temporary increase in the frequency, intensity, or variability of the behavior shortly after reinforcement is withheld, and they should be prepared for spontaneous recovery later. Consistent implementation and close data monitoring are critical, because inconsistent application can inadvertently strengthen the behavior on an intermittent schedule.