Write more short and in a peer answer review: However, the key to successful extinction isn't just ignoring the challenging behaviors. It's about combining it with something calleddifferential reinforcement. This is where your new behavior plan comes in, and it's a critical piece that might have been missing or less structured in your previous attempts. Let's break down what differential reinforcement means and how it works with extinction: Differential reinforcement is a technical term for a highly effective strategy. It has two main definitional properties: Reinforcing a specific, desired behavior. This means we will actively and consistently provide your son with the attention he's seeking, butonly when he uses the appropriate ways to ask for it. The plan focuses on teaching him and reinforcing those 'minds for attention' - perhaps using words like 'Mommy, look,' or 'Daddy, play,' or a gentle tap on the arm. We want to ensure that he receivesmore attention and faster results when he uses these effective methods. Withholding reinforcement for challenging behaviors: This is the extinction part. When he engages in problematic behaviors (such as whining, yelling, or hitting), we will consistentlyrefrain from providing him with attention. This means no eye contact, no verbal reprimands, no explanations, no chasing. This is where the 'it got worse' feeling comes in, but if we stay consistent, the extinction burst will eventually subside