BlossomHill - so sorry. I was all tearful for you, and that was BEFORE opening MotherInferiors well-remembered link!
I know it isn't the same, and forgive me, I'm not sure of the exact nature and extent of your DD's situation, but we have found that being as matter-of-fact as possible has enabled DS to start to understand that he isn't 'standard issue' while providing enough fact and re-assurance to prevent his imagination running riot or any sense of insecurity or panic to set in. This morning's Balamory was v useful for us, as it had a woman with partial sight using a guide dog. We had a chat about 'some people this and some people that, and some people need help in this or that way - that's who they are, it's the dog's job to make sure she doesn't bump into something - just like I have headlisghts on the car to stop me bumping in to things when it's dark"'.
I worked hard to dispel ideas of 'something wrong' - hard because for the months when DS's leg was in plaster, every strangers first words were 'aaah, what's wrong with him?'. yes, I know it's pc to challenge that, and basically, there was something 'wrong' - but I think 'wrong' is a very worrying concept for little people, and the idea does, as happened with your little treasure, upset them.
Can you keep saying 'there's nothing wrong with you - but you need help to speak / sit still / think about things?'(or whatever her needs are)...'you know, like helps you when you are at school, and I help you like this when we're at home. You see, you're fine when you have help, aren't you?'.
How is she today, Blossomhill?