I am in the process of doing the same thing with my three year old daughter. I am also going to apply for grants that will cover therapy expenses that insurance does not cover. You are not alone.

The Hanen Center website has guide books for parents to use to teach language. Read carefully or call so you get something that meets your child's level. You can ask school to meet with you and show you how they work with your child so you can work on goals. Key Education has great picture cards called "Art, Cooking and Life Skills." They also make one that is seasonal art. We use these to help our 6 year old follow directions and engage. There is a Stanely Greenspan online DIR Floortime training for parents. We mainly use homework from our therapists. We used Early Start Denver parent strategy book and More than Hope for Young Children on the Autism spectrum earlier but your child might be past this. You can make obstacle courses, sensory bins of beans, water and cups to pour etc. You can turn a $1 store activity book into language and academic help. Teach to Play videos helped us build play skills. If you do not want to purchase these things visit the library or google ideas. Opportunity for this is everywhere once you get used to it. You can look for special needs park district classes. Your child should qualify for speech and OT and possibly PT with any insurance.

I had a waiting period before my son started getting all the therapy he needed. I did a lot of research online and started running programs myself with my son. He is now in school and recieving all his therapy through them but I know where you are coming from. i kept bugging my library until they organized a special needs playgroup to help socialization. I did yoga at home to work on physical therapy. Get lots of play doh to help with OT. Ikea also has a chair that has a cover and spins for about $60 that helps with sensory input. I learned a few tricks that really helped. There are also a few free apps that work on speech. And definitely make a sensory bucket. I have a rainbow colored rice one with cars and pirate treasure "hidden" that keeps my son busy.

Have you made a sensory bucket?