Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Tugman.
Hi Megan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Megan Tugman StRomain: A Mother, Advocate, and Entrepreneur Changing Lives
My name is Megan Tugman StRomain. I’m 34 years old, a wife, and a proud mother of three—including my bonus daughter. My children, Kenzie (11), Jet (5), and Caitlin (12), are my world. My son, Jet, has profound autism and is completely nonverbal, which has shaped not only our family’s journey but also my passion and purpose in life.
Before COVID-19, I owned a residential cleaning business, Megan’s Cleaning Service. When Jet was born in November 2019, and soon after the pandemic hit, I made the difficult decision to shut down my business to focus on my family. In 2021, when Jet was diagnosed with severe autism, it was a moment that, despite our suspicions, hit our family hard. Suddenly, we were navigating a world filled with neurologist visits, therapy appointments multiple times a week, and a completely new way of life. It was overwhelming, to say the least.
Despite the challenges, we were embraced by the autism community, and while we initially grieved the life we had imagined for our son, we soon realized how beautifully our lives had changed. My daughters, in particular, amazed me with their understanding, patience, and love for their brother. Seeing Kenzie on the playground explaining to other kids, “I’m sorry, he has autism and is nonverbal. If he could, he’d definitely say hi,” melted my heart. They took on an unspoken responsibility—not one they were asked to bear, but one they embraced out of love. Autism awareness and advocacy became a cornerstone of our household.
As a mother, I’ve always been my children’s advocate, but with Jet, I had to become his voice. We’ve faced judgment—stares in the grocery store, whispers at restaurants—but I’ve grown past the urge to shrink away. My son’s needs, his differences, are not something to hide.
One of our biggest struggles came when I attempted to return to work. Finding childcare for a neurotypical child is difficult, but for a child with profound autism, it felt nearly impossible. Most daycares weren’t equipped to meet his needs, and the ones that tried, despite their best efforts, weren’t a long-term solution. Eventually, we found a path through the school district’s special education program, allowing Jet to attend half-day Pre-K.
Even then, I struggled to find a job that fit within his schedule and therapy appointments. It became clear that traditional employment wouldn’t work for our family. That’s when an idea struck me—why not return to cleaning, but this time, with a purpose?
The Birth of Beyond Ausome Cleaners
One day, while cleaning my own home, I found myself carefully avoiding an area my son had meticulously arranged. It hit me—families like mine need cleaning services that understand these nuances. That’s when Beyond Ausome Cleaners was born.
Our mission is simple: to provide cleaning services tailored to families with special needs, offering sensory-friendly, judgment-free, and truly compassionate care. We recognize that something as small as moving an item can disrupt an entire day for a child like Jet. We work around therapy schedules, use unscented or low-odor products, and respect comfort items and sensory spaces—all while providing high-quality cleaning services.
I know firsthand how difficult it is to find support, and I wanted to create something that truly makes a difference. This journey has taken months of research, planning, and overcoming self-doubt. I struggle with social anxiety, and the fear of failure is real, but if I can help even a handful of families, that’s something to be proud of.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my incredible support system—my husband, Patrick, my children, my sister, Courtney, and my best friend, Jennifer. Having a child with autism changes everything, including relationships, but these people have stood by us every step of the way.
Through our Facebook page, Autism, Jet’s Way, we share the real, unfiltered journey—both the struggles and the triumphs—to raise awareness and foster understanding.
I never expected this to be my path, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Autism has taught us to be more compassionate, patient, and accepting. I hope that through my business, my advocacy, and our story, I can help other families feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. This journey has been anything but smooth, but I truly believe that the hardest roads lead to the most meaningful destinations.
When Jet was diagnosed with autism, our entire world shifted. It wasn’t just about accepting the diagnosis—it was about learning an entirely new way of life. We were suddenly thrown into a world of therapy appointments, specialist visits, and advocating for services I didn’t even know existed before. It was overwhelming, emotionally and physically. There were moments of grief for the life we had envisioned for Jet, but over time, we learned to embrace and celebrate his unique path.
One of our biggest struggles was finding proper care and resources. When I was ready to return to work, I quickly realized how difficult it was to find childcare that could accommodate Jet’s needs. Most places either weren’t equipped or weren’t affordable, and even when we found a Mother’s Day Out program that was willing to try, it only lasted a week. That was a harsh reality check. I felt stuck—wanting to contribute financially but unable to find a job that worked around Jet’s school and therapy schedule.
Beyond that, there have been daily challenges—judgment from strangers, the exhaustion of managing multiple therapy appointments, and the financial strain of making sure Jet gets the care he needs. Autism parenting can be isolating, and at times, it felt like no one truly understood what we were going through.
But through all of it, we’ve found strength. We’ve built an incredible support system, and I’ve learned to advocate not just for my son but for other families like mine. The struggles led me to start Beyond Ausome Cleaners, and while the road hasn’t been easy, I wouldn’t change where it’s taken me. Every challenge has shaped me into the person, mother, and business owner I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Most of my professional background is in customer service and HR assistance, but my passion for learning has always driven me. While I haven’t yet completed my degree, it remains a personal goal, and I constantly seek out knowledge through platforms like Coursera and Google, focusing on business administration, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit work.
If I had to pinpoint what I’m known for, I’d say it’s my resourcefulness. I love finding solutions, whether it’s navigating the complexities of autism services for my son or developing creative ways to support families like mine.
What I’m most proud of, though, is the mother I’ve become. Losing both of my parents at a young age—my dad when I was 10 and my mom when I was 11—meant I didn’t have traditional role models to guide me. But instead of letting that define me, I used it as motivation to become the best mom I could be. I’ve worked hard to create a loving, stable, and supportive environment for my children, and that, above all else, is my greatest achievement.
What sets me apart is my perspective. My life experiences have shaped me into someone who deeply understands and empathizes with others. I see things from all angles, without judgment, and that fuels my passion for helping people. Whether it’s through Beyond Ausome Cleaners, my advocacy work, or simply being a listening ear for another parent navigating autism, I strive to make a difference in whatever way I can
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m really just your average everyday mom. Trying to make it through life and motherhood, being the best person I can be for not just myself but for my family. I don’t think there is enough awareness surrounding autism and everything that goes along with it, I just want to help advocate and educate for those who just don’t know or understand.
