I was never able to switch at will. with me my DID was because I was abused in the most horrific ways before the age of 5. none of my alters were self chosen self created. they were created due to the abuse and during the abuse. the switching with me was dissociative related meaning anytime I experienced my dissociative symptoms an alter would take control to handle what ever was causing me to have my dissociative symptoms.

I did have what my treatment providers called an imaginary friend which is different than having DID alters in my location. I could at any time use my imagination and create someone to play with, talk to and be with at will.

to tell the difference between the two different kinds of people in me my treatment providers used the DSM diagnostic criteria. if they didnt fit the diagnostic criteria my treatment provders called them imaginary friends, if they fit the criteria my treatment providers called them DID alters in me.