Yes, it is possible for people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) to have different memories of their childhoods among their distinct identities or alters (headmates). Remembering childhood experiences differently is one of the defining features of DID.
DID is a complex dissociative disorder where an individual's identity is fragmented into two or more distinct personality states. These different personality states, or alters, can have their own unique memories, experiences, and perceptions of events. When one alter is in control, they may have access to their own memories while being unaware of the memories of other alters. As a result, there can be significant gaps or variations in recollections of past events.
This phenomenon occurs due to the dissociative nature of the disorder. Dissociation is a coping mechanism that helps individuals detach from traumatic experiences, and it can lead to the creation of separate identities as a way to compartmentalize distressing memories and emotions.
It's important to note that memory fragmentation in DID is a complex and individualized process. The extent to which different alters remember or forget specific events can vary widely from person to person. Some alters may have no knowledge of the existence of others, while others may have partial awareness or communication with one another.
Therapy and treatment for DID often involve helping individuals with the disorder to work through these fragmented memories, improve communication between alters, and achieve greater integration and cooperation among the different parts of their identity.