Autism spectrum rating scale scores are elevated in TS \cite{28647013a}<a href="https://www.authorea.com/users/4510/articles/153150-tourette-syndrome-research-highlights-from-2017/_show_article#28647013">(Darrow 2017)</a>. This is mostly but not entirely explained by elevations in the RRB (restricted interests and repetitive behaviors) subscale, which may be indicating tics rather than other stereotypic movements. The presence of OCD was associated with higher scores on the social cognition and RRB subscales.
Review of screening instruments and rating scales for tic disorders \cite{28071825}<a href="https://www.authorea.com/users/4510/articles/153150-tourette-syndrome-research-highlights-from-2017/_show_article#28071825">(Martino 2017)</a>, and comments \cite{28436544}\cite{28436554}.
A study of 45 children with TS supported the typical antecedent--behavior--consequence behavioral psychology model \cite{27044052}<a href="https://www.authorea.com/users/4510/articles/153150-tourette-syndrome-research-highlights-from-2017/_show_article#27044052">(Eaton 2017)</a>. Specifically, consequences of tics, "such as receiving accommodations or attention from others," explained significantly more variance in tic severity than did the child's level of separation anxiety, though the latter was also a significant factor. This study provides supportive evidence for the approach taken by "CBIT-Jr," a behavior therapy designed for younger children with TS \cite{RN9681}<a href="https://www.authorea.com/users/4510/articles/153150-tourette-syndrome-research-highlights-from-2017/_show_article#RN9681">(Piacentini 2015)</a>.

Etiology

A national database study of parental psychopathology \cite{28335873}.

Genetics

An NINDS press release, referring to final publication of an article mentioned in Highlights for 2016 \cite{28641109}, summarizes the report this way:
The scientific team conducted genetic analyses on 2,434 individuals with Tourette syndrome and compared them to 4,093 controls, focusing on copy number variants, changes in the genetic code resulting in deletions or duplications in sections of genes. Their results determined that deletions in the NRXN1 gene or duplications in the CNTN6 gene were each associated with an increased risk of Tourette syndrome. In the study, approximately 1 in 100 people with Tourette syndrome carried one of those genetic variants.

Epigenetics

Environmental risk factors and epidemiology