Imprisoned No More

A Mother and Son Embrace Autism and Journey to Freedom

Catherine Hughes remembers exactly what she was wearing that fateful day, April 19, 2001 - an orange polo shirt, khaki capris, brown suede boots, and a matching brown suede button down blazer. This was the day that she thought she would make it home to schedule an evaluation for her son before heading to work for her evening shift. This was the day she thought she was on her way to getting answers about her son’s struggles. This was the day that she thought she would soon obtain services that she believed he desperately needed. This was also the day that her son was taken from her arms, and she was thrown in prison without bond. These chapters detail her fight to clear her name while accepting her son’s diagnosis of autism, their pursuit of services and their new way forward. These chapters share both trials and triumphs, along with some sage guidance and resources from The Caffeinated Advocate herself. This is their long-awaited story.