What should you do if the child's responses indicate memorization in reverse order?

When a child demonstrates memorization in reverse order during the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition (WISC-V) testing, it is crucial to provide them with an opportunity to clarify their understanding and abilities. Allowing the child to respond and then re-exposing the stimulus serves a dual purpose.

Firstly, it gives the child a chance to fully articulate their response without undue pressure, acknowledging that learning can sometimes involve recalling information in a non-linear manner. Secondly, by re-exposing the stimulus, you are helping to assess their cognitive processing more accurately. This approach respects the child's unique way of thinking and can provide insight into their working memory and comprehension skills, which are important aspects being measured in the WISC-V.

This strategy also enables a fairer assessment since children may sometimes exhibit different types of recall — such as reverse order — that do not necessarily indicate a lack of understanding or knowledge. It recognizes and accommodates diverse cognitive processing styles, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of the child's abilities.