What is the most likely diagnosis for a student who avoids eye contact, rocks back and forth, and sometimes erupts in anger?

The behavior described in the question—avoiding eye contact, rocking back and forth, and occasional eruptions of anger—aligns with characteristics commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder. Individuals on the autism spectrum may exhibit social communication challenges, including difficulty with eye contact and understanding social cues, which can lead to the avoidance of direct interaction. The repetitive behavior of rocking back and forth is also a well-documented behavior that can be characteristic of autism, often serving as a self-soothing mechanism or a way to cope with sensory overload. Additionally, emotional outbursts can occur when individuals with autism experience frustration or difficulty coping with changes in their environment or routine.

While other conditions listed may involve certain overlapping behaviors, the combination of social avoidance, repetitive movements, and emotional outbursts strongly supports a diagnosis of autism rather than the other conditions mentioned. Asperger's Syndrome is a term previously used for individuals who are on the autism spectrum but have average or above-average intelligence and do not have significant language delays. However, many of the key features described are more broadly recognized within the autism diagnosis. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder involves intrusive thoughts and compulsions, which do not necessarily correlate with the behavioral patterns presented. Antisocial Psychosis is generally associated with