I didn't know eye contact issues were seen with mood disorders. DD has some depression/anxiety issues. We have been told by professionals that what we think looks ASDish is more anxiety behaviors.
VERY common. Anxiety drives quite a few symptoms that are popularly associated with other conditions, such as the rigidity and awkward social interactions connected with ASD, or even more outlier symptoms, like some auditory or visual hallucinations (mild ones--I except command hallucinations), which are usually associated with psychosis/schizotypal disorders.
This is why (referencing the OP), it is important to involve experienced clinicians who take a comprehensive view of the data in any diagnostic discussion. A single observation or comment from one school professional (excellent though she may be in her area of expertise) is not enough to change the whole narrative.
