How does the pattern of inheritance of autosomal traits and sex linked traits differ?

Autosomal traits follow the normal dominance-recessive relationship: Dominant genotype is the one expressed, a recessive trait is only expressed in a homozygous recessive genotype.
The expression of the genotypes is equal among both sexes.

The difference between an autosomal trait and a sex-linked trait is that a sex-linked trait is ALWAYS expressed in males of the species:
- If a sex-linked trait is on the X-chromosome it acts like autosomal traits in females, however since males have only one copy of the X-chromosome whatever genotype is on the chromosome will be expressed.
(ex: Fragile X syndrome: which females can be carriers however males with the defective X-chromosome will suffer from this genetic disorder)
- If a sex-linked trait is on the Y-chromosome, it will only affect males since females don't have Y-chromosomes.