Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a powerful tool for helping children learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. But families are often surprised to discover that when initiating ABA therapy—or even when introducing new strategies at home—things can get harder before they get better. The tantrums may be louder, the protests stronger, the meltdowns bigger. That frustrating moment is what ABA calls an extinction burst.

In simple terms, an extinction burst happens when a child’s behavior increases in intensity, frequency, or duration before it starts to fade away. Imagine your child has learned that crying often leads to extra screen time. If you decide not to give in, the child may cry louder, longer, or try different ways to get the same result. It’s the brain’s way of saying: “Wait—this used to work! Why isn’t it working now?”

This doesn’t mean the strategy is failing. In fact, it often means you’re on the right track.

Why does it happen?

Behaviors stick around because they’ve been reinforced in the past. When reinforcement is removed, the child may test the behavior even harder before realizing it no longer works. That’s the “burst.” Over time, if we stay consistent, the behavior usually decreases and healthier skills can take its place.

Turning meltdowns into milestones

Though it’s tough in the moment, an extinction burst is often a sign of growth. It shows your child is learning that old strategies aren’t working anymore and that new, more positive skills are starting to take root. With patience, guidance, and consistency, those meltdowns become milestones in your child’s journey toward independence.