LST

You can LST right up until the stems start to harden at the budding stage. It's low stress that's the point. But what I have found with autos is heavy defoliation is a bigger stress to the plant. So don't go too heavy on leaf stripping just selectively defoliate when needed. First 3 or 4 weeks with autos leave them to grow as the aim at this stage is to build a strong root system. Once that is established they can usually handle a good leaf strip (if needed) If your plants is growing tall LST is fine. It's a good method to shape the plant how you want it.