What if Behavior Increases After an ABA Plan Changes?

Respond when behavior increases after ABA change

Record the response dimension, baseline range, date and plan version, opportunities, early time window, implementation, replacement communication, partner response, health and access changes, injuries, client report, and stop-rule result. Use emergency procedures for immediate danger. Routine data collection must not delay urgent action.

Interpret the change cautiously

Possible explanations include an extinction burst, resurgence, missed reinforcement, a harder task, removed supports, unclear signals, new people, inaccessible communication, or ordinary variation. The label matters less than repairing unsafe conditions and identifying evidence that can distinguish the possibilities.

Use current ethics and research sources

Lerman and Iwata found their burst criterion in 27 of 113 reviewed extinction data sets, showing bursts were possible rather than inevitable. The relapse review distinguishes several recurrence histories. The Ethics Code keeps medical, risk, assent, data, and evaluation duties active.

Keep communication and immediate safety available

The ASHA AAC portal supports continuous access to communication tools. Preserve AAC, pain and safety reports, basic needs, emergency help, assent and dissent, and ordinary supports throughout this specific decision. Immediate danger follows the applicable emergency route.

A practical example

Across ten baseline transitions, Rowan's response ranges from zero to two. After a plan change, counts are one, three, one, zero, and zero. The second transition triggers review, but missing AAC and a new route also occurred. The team restores access and avoids naming one cause from the pattern.

Questions families can use

Is anyone in danger? What baseline and definition apply? Was the plan implemented? Were communication and supports available? What else changed? Which prewritten rule pauses or ends the plan?