Escape Extinction

Escape extinction means the demand stays in place regardless of whether challenging behaviour occurs. If a learner throws their worksheet to avoid math, you calmly pick it up and continue. The behaviour no longer produces escape.

This is one of the most commonly misapplied procedures in the field. It is not a standalone intervention - it should only be used alongside a replacement behaviour that gives the learner a legitimate way to request a break. Without that, you're removing the only communication strategy the learner has without offering an alternative. Expect an extinction burst. Expect escalation in the short term. If staff aren't fully briefed and consistent, partial reinforcement of the escalated behaviour is almost guaranteed, and that makes everything worse.

Escape extinction is also physically and ethically demanding. In school settings especially, the practicalities of maintaining demands through severe behaviour require careful planning, appropriate staffing, and explicit informed consent.