Christopher Duffley

Weighing less than 2 pounds when he was born, Christopher Duffley, who is also blind, didn’t speak in full sentences until he was in first grade.

Later diagnosed with autism, the New Hampshire teen loves to sing. He has performed the national anthem at venues across the nation, including Fenway Park and during a NASCAR event.

Duffley has been a featured keynote speaker and singer at numerous autism conferences. In addition, he has performed at many churches and faith-related events. Duffley has released a pair of albums and maintains an inspirational blog and does podcasts.

Duffley will perform a benefit concert for the nonprofit Healthy Smiles dental clinic at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at the Grant County Fairgrounds pavilion. A youth dance team and the Grant Union choir will also perform at the event that includes a spaghetti feed.

Born drug-affected, Duffley had multiple health problems, which resulted in an initial seven-month hospital stay. Placed in foster care, Duffley was adopted at the age 2 by his aunt and uncle.

“My life has been blessed by people who see me with their heart, not by my disability,” Duffley said.