DD petrified of anyone with mental disabilities

[Rtruth]

I don’t know how to deal with fact my 4 year old stares and shakes with fear of anyone with a mental disability. She had done it a few times when she was younger but just staring and pointing inquisitively. But recently we were at MIL 60th party and after dancing on dance floor for 20 mins a young man joined kids on dance floor. No issue to start with but with 5 mins she was crying and clinging to us both. We explained there was nothing to worry and we would come over with her. But she began shaking uncontrollably. For next half hour we calmed her but unfortunately she couldn’t stop starring and then getting flustered and more upset than I’ve seen her. In end I left DW at party and took DD back to hotel room and missed party. But I need to find way of reducing her fear, any one with experiences like this?

Most likely she's reacting to obvious 'differences' displayed by some people with learning difficulties/downs syndrome/neuro developmental disorders etc. Children, especially young children, can be very unpredictable and anything from beards to glasses to make up can trigger a disproportionate response.

Time and gentle but no nonsense reiteration that different isn't bad is probably the best route.

Has she been able to explain - when completely calm - why she finds these situations scary? If she can, it might help you to de-escalate her response.