ABA Exam CoachLessons · H. Selecting and Implementing Interventions
H.5 · Planning for relapse
Problem behavior is down to zero, so treatment is done, right? Not so fast. Let's talk about why behavior can come back and how you plan for that before services fade.
Key takeaway
Relapse means a treated behavior comes back after something changes. Each type is named for what changed: resurgence (less reinforcement for the replacement behavior), renewal (a new context), reinstatement (the old reinforcer is delivered for free), and spontaneous recovery (a break between extinction sessions). Plan for relapse from the start. Program generalization across settings and people, train caregivers, thin reinforcement gradually with clear signals, and schedule follow-up probes and booster sessions.
Relapse means a treated behavior comes back after something changes. Each type is named for what changed: resurgence (less reinforcement for the replacement behavior), renewal (a new context), reinstatement (the old reinforcer is delivered for free), and spontaneous recovery (a break between extinction sessions). Plan for relapse from the start. Program generalization across settings and people, train caregivers, thin reinforcement gradually with clear signals, and schedule follow-up probes and booster sessions.
Members get the full lesson video, notes and a 5-question test
The video walks through the idea, worked examples, the trap people fall into and an exam-style question. The notes and the checkpoint come with it, and your results feed your Where to focus plan.