Toddler terrified of other children

[NotBehindTheRadiatorPlease]

Hi all. DD has just turned 2 and is normally quite happy. Due to lockdown she hasn't seen any other children her own age for several months.

Finally today we met up with some friends who have a child around the same age as DD. And omg, every time our friend's child got anywhere near her she would scream and cry completely hysterically. We went for a walk and she cried pretty much the whole time the friend's child was in sight.

I'm assuming this is anxiety due to not seeing any other children for a long time? She's fine with adults and older children, but other toddlers seem to terrify her!

Is it just a matter of getting her used to them? I felt so bad for her as she was crying pretty much the entire time we were out

It might be worth trying to arrenge some small playdates with friends once people are allowed round the house? Somewhere where she can be around pther kids but isn't pushed tonplay would be ideal. It could very well be due to lockdowns, I'm quite worried atm as my dd is the same age and she has no concept of social boundaries, she loves talking to other kids but cannot recognise when they dont want to play and insists on following them and "getting in the way" till they play with her. So many times at the park I've had to carry her away!