This is another debate issue for autos. I have transplanted autos in the past with great success. I actually am transplanting 3 autos today because the outdoor weather didnt cooperate and I was forced to grow my autos in small pots in a tent for 2 weeks. Today they get their big pot and a place in the sun. Some autos will start flowering the moment they undergo severe stress while others will actually extend their veg time on their own to recover. Theres a general consensus to never top an auto, but I am seeing several growers on here topping autos with great success.
In my case, if my autos stall out and start flowering after transplant, its s lesson learned but if they thrive and keep on trucking, it's more data to help disseminate real cannabis growing outcomes vs the ol' wives tales