the [ Tank ] Engine because he was obsessed with Thomas the [ Tank ] Engine . '' 88 in 88 the United States kids thought to be autistic , Sanders says ; for boys it 's 1 in 2006 . Why ? Better , broader diagnosis , better awareness , and `` 50 % of 'We do n't know , '' expert says . Advocate : There is an epidemic of autism in the United States . Autistic teen Autism Speaks shows benefits of early detection .
88 in 88 the United States kids thought to be autistic , Sanders says ; for boys it 's 1 in 2006 . Why ? Better , broader diagnosis , better awareness , and `` 50 % of 'We do n't know , '' expert says . Advocate : There is an epidemic of autism in the United States . Autistic teen Autism Speaks shows benefits of early detection .