What is deaffrication in speech therapy?

When a child replaces an affricate sound ("ch" or "j") with a fricative ("sh" or "zh"). Example: "Choo-choo" becomes "shoo-shoo" or "jump" becomes "zhump".

🔄Phonological Processes

Deaffrication

What is deaffrication in speech therapy?

When a child replaces an affricate sound ("ch" or "j") with a fricative ("sh" or "zh").

Example

"Choo-choo" becomes "shoo-shoo" or "jump" becomes "zhump".

🔊 Child saying "shoo-shoo" instead of "choo-choo"

How can I help my child with deaffrication?

Our Choo-Choo Wheels category provides lots of "ch" sound practice with trains.

Explore Talk & Listen App

About this guide: This glossary is designed to help parents understand speech therapy terminology. Definitions are simplified for clarity and informed by resources from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Not medical advice: This information is educational only. For concerns about your child's speech development, consult a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP).Find an SLP near you →

Learn More From Trusted Sources

ASHA: Speech & Language Development Chart— Official milestones by age
ASHA: Late Blooming or Language Problem?— When to seek help
Identify the Signs— ASHA's early intervention resource

"I got to use Little Wheels and I love it — it's engaging and fun for therapy."

Brandi Keith, M.S. CCC-SLP — Speech-Language Pathologist

Trusted by 25+ Speech-Language PathologistsSee all SLP reviews →

Related Terms

Phonological Process

A predictable pattern children use to simplify adult speech. Fronting, stopping, gliding—these are all normal and disappear by certain ages. Only a concern if they persist too long.

More Phonological Processes

View all →

Fronting Backing Gliding Stopping Cluster Reduction Final Consonant Deletion

Learn More About Speech Development

Late Talker App Guide: What Actually Works Speech Therapy at Home Guide 8 Ways to Practice Speech at Home 100+ Vehicle Sounds for Practice

Explore our parent guides for more speech development resources.

Support Your Child's Speech Development

Little Wheels apps use vehicle-based learning to make speech practice engaging and fun. Perfect for home practice between therapy sessions.

Explore Talk & Listen Browse All Terms