Squishys, what I'm reading does not include the exact phrases that the tester must use in introducing the subtests (those are not meant for anyone but testers to see). I do not know if the actual test instructions mention timing at all or not.
As the tester will be repeatedly touching the timer I would imagine the child would see it. My child would be likely to ask what the timer is for and thereafter ask before or during each part whether it's timed or not, want to know how many seconds each part took, etc. I imagine either his direct questions or his tendency to get distracted might lead a tester into making comments about timing. .
This assessment guide's comments are all very rational sounding. It recommends, "be subtle, not distracting, when using a stopwatch". If children ask if they are being timed say, "yes but you don't need to worry about that". They also say "If possible, use a stopwatch that does not make beeping sounds".
