is there a difference betweeen mentally handicapped and mentally ed?

Answer 1

Essentially they are the same, except that "mentally ed" is considered insulting and usually isn't used.

http://aacap.org/page.ww?name=Children+Who+Are+Mentally+ed&section=Facts+for+Families

Answer 2

would autism be in the catergory of being mentally handicapped?

Answer 3

Autism is not considered a mental handicap. People with autism have normal or above normal intelligence. Autism is a developmental disorder.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348/DSECTION%3Dsymptoms