I've had terrible luck germinating auto-flowering varieties - the seeds either fail to germinate at all or have a terrible time finding which way is up. I've germinated regular types without these problems using rockwool cubes kept moist.
Ahaa NO. Its more than likely user error. With all the auto grow threads going on? Even on my first grow i was able to get an auto to germinate and grow.
I never had a issue germinating them but usually always used World of Seeds autos. I always germinate shot glass method for 1 day then wet towel in a container rest.
Auto, like any other seeds depend on the breeder. All of mine did great, except my autos from Nirvana.
All 3 of mine sprouted, and now are just over a month old. Soil + seed. If pre germinating isn't working, maybe try it the old fashion way.