What is the significant feature that distinguishes Tourette syndrome from other neurological disorders?

The significant feature that distinguishes Tourette syndrome from other neurological disorders is the childhood onset of the condition. Tourette syndrome typically manifests in childhood, with symptoms often appearing between the ages of 5 and 10. Early onset is a hallmark of this disorder, which sets it apart from many other neurological or psychiatric conditions that may not show symptoms until later in life.

The presence of developmental delay is not a common feature of Tourette syndrome, as individuals with Tourettes can have normal cognitive function. While comorbid symptoms like anxiety can occur alongside Tourette syndrome, many other disorders can also present with similar anxiety symptoms, making this feature less distinctive. Furthermore, tics associated with Tourette syndrome can be both responsive and suppressible to some extent, contradicting the idea that they are unresponsive. Thus, childhood onset is the key characteristic that helps to identify Tourette syndrome specifically among neurological disorders.