Typically, tics appear at ages 2-15 (averaging around 6 years old). However, males are three times more likely to develop the syndrome than females. Tics can range from mild to severe in nature, with severe symptoms significantly affecting daily life. This occurs even in sleep. The onset of a tic is equivalent to feeling an uncomfortable bodily sensation (itch or tingling primarily) with the experience of relief following the expression of the tic.

However, not all tics lead to Tourette syndrome. Many times, children will express tics as a sign of development, and they tend to disappear on their own.