Alters is the term therapists use to describe the personalities thatexist in the dissociator. Their abilities can vary greatly from one another.For instance an alter can be an outstanding artist or a dress maker, whereas another part may not be able to do any of these. Some alters can be left handed, others can be right handed. Some alters will even change the color of the eyes.

They are a unit much like a large household. There is (in most cases)a scared child, a protector of that child, a protector for the original,and a nurturer. As in every household there is arguing, disscusing, andin optimal conditions, there is communicating.

Many people with DID have alters of the opposite sex. Often, the abusethat occurs (such as sexual) is seen to the child as "this wouldnthappen to me if I was a boy/girl" so, alters of the oppisite sex areoften created. This for many is difficult for both the host andthe alter. If you are struggling with this, I suggest that you try to communicate with these alters, Journal writing usually helps. Perhaps you can work out a compromise

Alters can take all forms. Most are human, but some are not. There are alters that are animals, fantasy (such as dragons or unicorns or elves), plants, or even rocks. DID/MPD has been described as the "create your own disorder" disorder and anything goes. If you feel that you may have non human alters, understand that this is normal.

Many people have a hard time understanding what co-conscious is allabout. Some people have co-conscious multiplicity.
Imagine being in a room with only one window. Then imagine thatthis room has 15+ people in it. If only one person stood at the windowblocking the view for everyone else, that person would be the only oneaware of the existence of what occurs outside the room. If 2 people stoodat the window, then the both of the viewers would have memories of whathappened out side. The more that looks however, increases chaos on whatis seen, as everyone that sees the actions outside the window will havea different reaction to what happened and subsequent things will be missed.This is simmilar in the dissociator that the alters that are "co-ing"will see what all is going on, but if everyone looks then there may bea misinterpretation of what goes on.