At the age of 11, Christopher Duffley stepped onto the stage, ready to perform a song that held a special place in his heart.

For Christopher, music wasn’t just a hobby; it was his primary mode of expression, his first language.

Remarkably, he found his voice in song even before he could engage in regular conversation.

Born prematurely, weighing less than two pounds, Christopher faced the challenge of losing his sight due to retinopathy of prematurity.

His journey led him from the foster care system to the loving arms of his uncle’s family.

“We went down to Florida and took him out of the foster care system,” his uncle shared, introducing Christopher before a performance.

“He’s been a blessing to our family and he loves to share his gifts.”

These words not only introduced Christopher to the audience but also highlighted the profound impact he had on his family’s life.

As Christopher grew older, another layer of his identity emerged: he was diagnosed with autism.

Autism can often be misunderstood by those who don’t experience it, leading to stigma and judgment.

Christopher, however, didn’t let this define him.

Instead, he became a vocal advocate for the rights of autistic individuals, using his platform to foster understanding and acceptance.

Christopher’s affinity for music was evident from a very young age.

At just four years old, he discovered what a microphone was and was immediately drawn to the idea of performing.

His first public performance came in first grade during a Memorial Day assembly.

By the age of 10, his talent had taken him to stages across the country, including Fenway Park and NASCAR events, where he sang the National Anthem.

Recalling the genesis of Christopher’s musical journey, his uncle shared a touching memory: “At four years old, he went down to the front of the music ministry and they handed him a microphone and he sang the song he’s gonna sing tonight: ‘Open the Eyes of My Heart’.”

When Christopher began to sing, his voice was clear, strong, and imbued with a sweetness that revealed his deep love for the song.

Christopher’s performance captured hearts and went viral, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his life.

He went on to release two albums and performed across the country, all while championing the cause of the autistic community with unwavering passion.

His remarkable journey and advocacy earned him a spot on the list of “10 Amazing Individuals With Autism Who Shined” by Autism Speaks.

His debut album, fittingly titled “Eyes of My Heart,” was followed by “Believer,” a collaborative effort with his sister Grace.

Beyond his albums, Christopher also hosts a podcast on his website, Mission Possible.

Here, he shares insights into his music, experiences from touring, and his performances.

From a 10-year-old boy on a stage in Concord, New Hampshire, to a young man with a voice that resonates across the nation, Christopher’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.

People around the world have been moved by Christopher’s contributions to his church and the autistic community.

Also his beautiful voice and his profound love for music have touched the hearts of many.

Watch this incredibly touching performance in the video below!

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By Jake Manning

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Jake Manning is a senior writer at Shareably. He can be reached at [email protected]