I appreciate this is a problem in many areas. There is a shortage of OTs in our area too but they will refer.
Moondog, there seems to be very little that is proven in terms of effective treatment in ASD. If we waited to see what was proven to work, we'd be sitting on our hands whistling.
It's bad enough knowing that assessment and diagnosis can take two years in some areas.
It's worse when you know that generalists (not specialists) are in charge of both diagnosis and treatment plans when I see little evidence that they have any particular expertise beyond a couple of courses and a bit of hands on experience.
It's shocking when you find that things like social communication and social skills assistance/training then gets dumped on to TAs and teachers who may have had the odd bit of external training (if you're very lucky).
It's hellish to find yourself between a clinical and educational system dealing with people who don't want to take responsibility for your child and just want to push and shove him/her from pillar to post - each arguing about whose responsibility it is to do what.
But, to cap it all, when you have children with profound sensory problems which can ruin daily activities, to have some areas which supply support via OT and some who offer nothing is a disgrace.
At least OTs understand that sensory problems are a huge deal for families and give you some suggestions to try. Even if two out of ten work, it's better than nothing.
Sorry, but so far, the only sense of support and assistance I have had out of ANYONE is from OT and that alone, in this lonely world of ASD, is worth something.
Try BIBIC.