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 .
One in 88 U.S. kids thought to be autistic , CDC says ; for boys it 's 1 in 54 . 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 Frankie Sanders shows benefits of early detection .