I can provide information based on what is known about these disorders.
People with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD-1b) often develop coping mechanisms and ways to hide their condition from others, including their caretakers and close family members. The ability to conceal the presence of alters or switch between them can be quite sophisticated, and individuals may not even be aware of the switches themselves.
Here are some reasons why people with DID or OSDD-1b may successfully hide their condition from others, including their parents or caretakers:
Protective Mechanism: Dissociation itself is a protective mechanism that helps individuals cope with overwhelming experiences or trauma. The alters may emerge as a way to manage difficult emotions or memories, and this can happen in a way that is not immediately apparent to others.
Amnesia and Switching: When one alter is in control, they may not have awareness or memory of what other alters do while fronting. This amnesia can create a seamless appearance to the outside world, making it challenging for others to detect the presence of different identities.
High Functionality: Many individuals with DID or OSDD-1b are highly functional and can go about their daily lives without showing obvious signs of their condition. They may have learned to mimic each other's behaviors, making it harder for others to notice any discrepancies.
Masking and Co-consciousness: Some alters may be skilled at "masking" their differences to avoid drawing attention to themselves. Additionally, some individuals experience varying degrees of "co-consciousness," where multiple alters are aware of each other's actions and thoughts, making their behavior appear more consistent to the outside world.
Lack of Awareness: Some individuals with DID or OSDD-1b may not even be aware of their condition until it becomes more pronounced or until they seek therapy for other reasons.
It's not uncommon for caregivers or family members to be unaware of the presence of alters until there is a noticeable change in behavior or until the individual seeks professional help and begins therapy. Therapy can be a safe and supportive environment for the alters to express themselves, leading to a more obvious emergence of the condition.
If you are currently in therapy and experiencing the emergence of alters, it's essential to work closely with your therapist to navigate these changes and explore the various aspects of your condition. Remember that everyone's experience with DID or OSDD-1b is unique, and therapy can be a valuable tool in understanding and managing the condition.