Hi Liz

It sounds like his fear of the unknown is greater than the actuality. So human

Maybe small steps. People who care to come visit. Once he has a successful visit and has managed any issues, he will gain confidence. Next step might be with a friend to the local shop. Eventually, he will realise that most people will work with him, small children who stare is what small children do, and some people have no idea and should be ignored/crossed off the Xmas list/pitied (and one day maybe even laughed about).

Is there a support group that he can meet face to face which may help him define his fears through their own experiences? Once he knows what they are, he will be better able to find the answers to manage them.

I have a weird fear of trains in foreign countries, so I go first with someone who has no such fear. This turns my fear of the unknown to mere discomfort, so I can go on my own. I am resigned that this fear will never go away, but equally determined this will not limit my exploration and enjoyment of new places.

I don't mean to trivialise what your husband is dealing with just trying to point out that fear is our greatest limiter and we can succumb to it, or build in safeguards which will allow us to conquer it (or at least manage it).